what does "role model' means to you?

[Grummer]

Blah , read the title, what does means to you?
also why do you think so, what is the significance of this persona, will it help? or will it help conceal the inequity?
why should people seeks role models? what kind of responsibility do you think a role model must bear or be expected to shoulder?

Feel free to discuss politics, even deaf politics, but careful if you do (I am by no mean responsible if you do), but by all means ,Don't let racism, sexism, ageism get in the way to fly of the thread's aim, discussing what does role models means to you.
Also please to dont try force your POV of this on to others as this might get out of hand, please respect the intention of this thread. All what it wanting to know is the differences and similaries of how we all think what does Role models means to us as individuals.

thanks, and have fun to compare differing understanding or 'takes' of what this means, Cheers

 

[rockin'robin]

I was somewhat mystified when this lady (same age as my daughter), told me one day..."you've always been a role model to me." I've known her, say more than 15 years.

She always came to me for advise and at times I felt she did "put me upon a pedestal". She was actually a very bright lady, was an EMT at one time, computer literate, well-spoken and a good debater. She just never realized her potential!

But, however, she was not "strong of mind"....she would "zig-zag" back and forth when making decisions. And unfortunately, got involved with drugs and the wrong people. I do feel she was bi-polar, along with severe depression.

It's been about 6 months since I've seen her. But I know she'll be back! I'm not critical of her, just will tell her to chalk it up as a big mistake and step forward! And just try and try again. It can be done, but it's up to her.

 

[pek1]

Well, we all need to define what exactly a role model is not. I'm sure other countries have as many problems as the USA does, so let's start by saying that people who are in show business of any sort (actors, actresses, singers, dancers, athletes, et al.,) are NOT role models. Many of them can't find themselves, so why are so many people even wasting their time wondering what they are doing? Both Jessica's are two people I'm referring to and are just a couple examples; there are many, many more.

 

[Dixie]

In my opinion a role model should be someone ordinary with an extraordinary personality. What I mean by that is the role model should have an everyday existence but he or she goes out of their way or does what they can to improve the life of others around them by setting an example.

For instance a factory worker can spend his evenings and weekends mentoring at-risk children from poor neighborhoods and encourages them to go above and beyond what the world expects of them.

A teacher can tutor a child that is considered special needs and prepare them to go on to college.

A boss that looks after a single mom struggling to make ends meet - makes sure the mother has what she needs to take care of her child(ren).

A coach that teaches his players to respect others and engages them in activities outside the game such as serving meals at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving, Doesn't just ask that his players keep their grades up - but demands it. Maybe go as far as having them tutor each other in subjects they are struggling with.

The role model asks for nothing in return but instead finds their reward in knowing they've left a positive influence.