We all have heroes. They may be parents or grandparents, veterans of war, writers or musicians, or perhaps historical figures. We admire those that have proved successful in some way. We appreciate their stories and their character, and have a reverence for them. This class of people we call role models, and we desperately seek their attention and approval. We desire to be like them.

This desire is in many ways a good thing, should the chosen role models be good. Likewise it can be bad, should the role models be such. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to choose good role models, people who succeed in reputable occupations, people who have upstanding character, and people who make conscientious choices.

Unfortunately, our youth today are flooded with a plethora of poor choices of role models. Popular performers and athletes vie for a superior position while the admirable of society are disregarded. Musicians and actors, known for their sensuous and free lifestyles, are looked to because they seem happy and successful. They've made it in life, have become popular, and have innumerable vain material possessions. Top athletes are praised for their ability, yet many live carelessly and lawlessly. Occasionally this is noted in the media.

All of this should concern parents, for their daughters see women portrayed as successful when dressed in naught but scant and surrounded by lecherous men. Men are deemed successful when they make millions of dollars and squander it on drugs and the promotion illicit activity. Is this what society needs in its youth?

It would behoove the media to belittle these icons of conceit and vanity and in their place exalt the praiseworthy. The true heroes of our day are teachers pouring their lives into students. The true heroes of our day are parents giving their all for their children. The true heroes of our day are those giving their lives for freedom. True heroes lie diametrically opposed to the media's conception of role models. We need to re-examine the role of role models in our society today if we want to see the following generation succeed.

Learn more about this author, Brandon Davis.
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