Men and women to emulate

Beenie Man

THERE are good role models and others we would not recommend to our children.

According to psychologist, Mrs. Gillian Stephens, traditional views define a good role model as "someone who models and exemplifies the basic principles of human life -- things that are fundamental to an ordered and fulfilling human existence.

"The role model", she continued, "should have love for God, self and others, respect for self and for other's opinion. He/she should value honour, truth and integrity -- should be dependable and credible and have consistency in what he/she says and does."

Is this view shared by the broad society?

We discovered a wide range of views on the topic:

Leighton McKnight, president of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew, said: "A good role model must have the highest integrity and very sound morals and principles."

Bad role models are those who may have only one good trait or just negatives traits which impact on people's lives. For example, there are football or basketball stars whose performance is excellent, but they have no discipline, no social grace and very little respect for others.

Admired by fans young and old, they continue to be role models -- but negative ones. Society is never monolithic, therefore no one will have all positive or all negative influences.

Psychologist Dr. Leahcim Semaj says a role model is.

"defined from the perspective of the individual who chooses to emulate the person." According to him, if one excels in an area, then one might be a role model in that capacity. For example, star footballer Walter Boyd is a model footballer.

Dr. Semaj insisted that society has selected these people as role models, yet no one really sets out to be a role model. He explained that Beenie Man is seen as a role model, and people insist that he should behave in a way appropriate for their children.

"Beenie Man did not apply for the job to raise our children," he quipped. He said this can create undue public pressure on an individual.

"They now have an obligation to society to behave in a certain manner for the prestige that society has afforded them," he explained.

As observed by Monsignor Etuale Lealofi of Montego Bay, children need role models. "We go though that stage in our formation trying to be a member of our society, whether we do it consciously or unconsciously. The idea of socialisation has a place for role models," he added.

Back to Outlook/Fi Real