Spotted Zebra Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 It's just a debate me an my friend were going over. Is it part of the job description of an athlete to be a role model for children? I ask this because especially in the NHL, the athletes are generally well behaved or at least keep things private when it comes to things they shouldn't be doing, but when things are released it becomes a bigger issue than it needs to. I mean Patrick Kane is example number one, and Im not talking about punching a cab driver in the face, that is not excusable. I'm talking about earlier in his career he had a reputation of being a little bit of a party boy (this when he was in his very early 20's mind you) and a very big deal was made of that. Tyler Seguin, same thing. The thing that frustrates me is that yes these players should behave more professionally but as a service to their team, not to serve as a role model for the children who admire them. This extends to other sports too, domestic violence in the NFL, racism in the NBA, take your pick. So what's the answer? Do you encourage children to look up to athletes? And on the flip side, is that a fair expectation to place on athletes? Just curious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baka Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Should be a simple topic. Athletes are normal people and shouldn't be held to these perfect standards. They are famous for exceeding in the aspect of athletes and as far as modeling one's self after one the biggest game would come from modeling after that individuals athletic side. Style, training, whatever. If someone's kid beats up a cab driver because Kane did it than it's just a reflection of bad parenting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOMapleLaughs Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Depends on the particular athlete, of course. But even if you take Patrick Kane's off-ice antics as a valid point, at what point do you also acknowledge that he is a tremendous hockey player, he's mega-rich, and you really wouldn't mind living his lifestyle at all? My ultimate 'live his life' scenario would be Sergei Fedorov, 1997-1998. Wins two cups, dates primetime Anna Kournikova, and eats steak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avelanch Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 kids look up to and idolize athletes for their sporting ability; so it doesn't matter if they should or shouldn't be perceived as role models, they will be, no matter what, and they should act like it as a result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugor Hill Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Unfortunately, kids will choose to look up to adults who do things they wish they themselves can do, regardless of whether these things are considered good or bad. So the point is moot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horny Manatee Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 No. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heretic Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 kids look up to and idolize athletes for their sporting ability; so it doesn't matter if they should or shouldn't be perceived as role models, they will be, no matter what, and they should act like it as a result. ^This. No different than many other "famous" people as well as people in a role like say coaching a kids hockey team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spotted Zebra Posted November 10, 2014 Author Share Posted November 10, 2014 Part of the arguements is that kids can either look up to athletes or celebrities and with the way Hollywood celebs tend to lose it a little bit people expect athletes to be these perfect humans for their children to look up to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-DLC- Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 kids look up to and idolize athletes for their sporting ability; so it doesn't matter if they should or shouldn't be perceived as role models, they will be, no matter what, and they should act like it as a result. This. There is an expectation that comes with being an athlete, however, it's up to the individual how they react and whether or not they take it on as such - it's their deal. I think adults are all held to a reasonable standard to be law abiding, decent citizens and so that naturally translates into sports and is a bit of a no brainer. That strong moral compasses guide most people's actions. Maturity comes into play and I think that we'd expect more from a 30 year old than we would from an 18 year old. So keeping in mind that we were all young once. It's up to parents in the end...said it before and I'll say it again - every experience, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity to intervene and teach children. So if their role model screws up it's a platform for discussion and parents can turn negatives into positives by guiding their kids. That's their job, not the sports heroes their kids look up to. With that, most athletes do seem to "get it" and respond well in setting a bar for themselves. What they do in their personal lives shouldn't really be of no concern to kids and parents should be overseeing that end of things. If a kid accesses material that sheds a negative light on their sports hero then it's up to the parents to come in with discussions about excessive behaviour, how money doesn't provide immunity or a special pass to behave badly, etc. To help their kids understand that these are simply human beings like you and I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimberWolf Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 People need to be cognizant of their audience.You make a ton of money and a large chunk is families. So it doesn't hurt you to behave yourself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FramingDragon Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 I personally don't assign moral responsibilities with irrelevant skills to hit a puck with a stick, or cry in front of a camera (if we're discussing actors). Unless you're directly striving for their career path, it is nothing but celebrity worship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Ambien Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 They shouldn't be, but they are. That's why they're put up on a pedestal that can never be achieved, and likewise put under a silly microscope. Can thank the masses for being terrible parents to where athletes and celebrities are the ones who need to be perceived as role models for their children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avelanch Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 They shouldn't be, but they are. That's why they're put up on a pedestal that can never be achieved, and likewise put under a silly microscope. Can thank the masses for being terrible parents to where athletes and celebrities are the ones who need to be perceived as role models for their children. it has nothing to do with the parents, kids will always look up to people who are successful at what they do. it's just a natural response, especially for young impressionable kids. what is up to the parents is to teach their children that, when the celebrities/athletes slip up and do things the parents do not agree with, that that behaviour is unacceptable, and that noone is perfect. it's a opportunity for learning/teaching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Ambien Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 it has nothing to do with the parents, kids will always look up to people who are successful at what they do. it's just a natural response, especially for young impressionable kids. what is up to the parents is to teach their children that, when the celebrities/athletes slip up and do things the parents do not agree with, that that behaviour is unacceptable, and that noone is perfect. it's a opportunity for learning/teaching. In respect to the job these athletes or celebrities do, it's understandable for them to be role models purely in that respect. However, they're still put on a pedestal regarding needing to be more than human, then people are shocked when they find porn pictures spread about, or some few getting in trouble with the law, etc. If a kid is properly parented and has parents who are, themselves, role models, it is far less likely they will consider these people role models for anything other than what they do for work. Unfortunately there's too many crappy parents who are happy sticking their kids faces into a TV and letting the TV raise those kids, so naturally, the kids deviate more toward others as role models. That's the standard of parenting one has come to expect from people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monty Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 I personally don't assign moral responsibilities with irrelevant skills to hit a puck with a stick, or cry in front of a camera (if we're discussing actors). Unless you're directly striving for their career path, it is nothing but celebrity worship. I agree, for the most part. Parents should be doing what they can to be their children's role model. When it comes to kids looking up to a particular athlete, they should understand that they are trying to aspire to play like that person, not become that person off the field/court/ice. It is important for parents to inform their children early on about the differences between aspiring to be a particular profession and becoming your own person within their chosen field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonMexico Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 I don't view athletes as role models at all. Sure they can be your idol but generally I see that is just harmless worship/admiration. You have the power as a parent to ensure your children's role models are acceptable, afterall, this is a part of parenting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalky Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 If my choice is Nicki Minaj or Milan Lucic...I'm still picking Lucic. That chick needs to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avelanch Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 In respect to the job these athletes or celebrities do, it's understandable for them to be role models purely in that respect. However, they're still put on a pedestal regarding needing to be more than human, then people are shocked when they find porn pictures spread about, or some few getting in trouble with the law, etc. If a kid is properly parented and has parents who are, themselves, role models, it is far less likely they will consider these people role models for anything other than what they do for work. Unfortunately there's too many crappy parents who are happy sticking their kids faces into a TV and letting the TV raise those kids, so naturally, the kids deviate more toward others as role models. That's the standard of parenting one has come to expect from people. kids have more than one role model.... their parents are not their be all end all source for their moral compass. parents need to step in when athletes and celebrities and other role models mess up, and explain what happened, why what they did is not appropriate, etc, but saying that athletes should not be role models because parents should be is one hell of a shortsighted and unrealistic view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-SN- Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 I don't view athletes as role models at all. Sure they can be your idol but generally I see that is just harmless worship/admiration. You have the power as a parent to ensure your children's role models are acceptable, afterall, this is a part of parenting. Sort of. No parent has total control over their children. Quite the opposite in reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etsen3 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 In terms of discipline, hard work, and skill, yes. All professional athletes possess these traits. Even the athletes who we consider "lazy" by NHL standards have put in a lot of work to get to that point. In terms of personal life, they are human just like anyone else. Certainly playing sports can instill good values in people, however it doesn't always mean that athletes are gonna have superior morals or necessarily do things that everyone agrees with in their personal life. They aren't gods or superheroes. Being a good skater doesn't make you into a puritan. When people project unrelated traits onto athletes, it becomes hero worship. Having said that, there's no shortage of excellent role models in the hockey world. I would be happy to have my kids look up to guys like Iginla, Linden, the Sedins, among others. Compared to many other sports, I consider NHL players to be a classy, humble bunch for the most part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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