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Spitting, head butting, kicking, cursing, no, these aren't reactions kindergartners have in temper tantrums; these are actions of our "professional" athletes. Each day, millions of children look up to these athletes as role models. Little boys and young men, males and females imitate their every move. Their on-court heroics inspire many to practice harder everyday. Athletes, as the media depicts them, exemplify phenomenal strength and stamina that people should strive for. People want to fly like Mike, hit like Jr. and run like Deion. But, when the play ends, many athletes' true personalities are revealed. Just think what a little leaguer could be thinking when watching his role model spit on a umpire when the call is unfavorable? What does that teach the children? Many athletes don't want to be role models, but are forced into it by the media. "Professional athletes should not be role models. Hell, I know drug dealers who can dunk. Can drug dealers be role models too?" Charles Barkley once said about athletes as role models. Athletes are always in the spotlight, whether it's underwear commercials or endorsing french fries. The role models have an undisputed athletic ability, but all too many times they are only a bright red peel on the rotting core of the American role model apple.
Since the Greek sport competitions to the latter part of the twentieth century, appropriate behavior, which included achieving set goals, working for a meaningful cause and setting benchmarks for good sportsmanship, was commonplace in society. Athletes were noted for their acts of generosity and their civility that they displayed on and off of the field. Most of the time, sports figures were role models, who wanted to draw attention away from themselves, and redirect the energy into positive actions. Sports figures put to use their prestige to address multiple concerns facing society. When Don Drysdale appeared on the Brady Bunch to teach Greg that grades were more important than pitching on the baseball team, this showed that role models cared for their fans. Other athletes' intentions embroiled more worldly causes. The first African- American baseball player, Jackie Robinson, acted as a role model for all aspiring black athletes to follow. The late tennis star and first African- American to win Wimbeldon, Arthur Ashe, supported the anti-apartheid movement in ...
Recent debates over active euthanasia, ?killing? a terminally ill patient, in Holland, has risen the question whether euthanasia is immoral or a simple human right. Doctors seem to have no doubt. They made an oath. The definition of depends on whether it is active or passive. Active i only allowed in Holland, and it means that...
It is a relentless struggle to attempt to provide equality to all people regardless of race, gender, age, or disability. We are all different and therefore can by no means be treated equal, yet nevertheless we should all be given equal opportunities in life. This ideal of equality although reasonable, has historically risen great fear among those w...
One of the most difficult trials I face in my life are ethical and moral dilemmas. They can be soul-wrenching and searching experiences that tax my character and cause me to really "put my money where my mouth is." Sometimes I'm quick to see ethical faults in others, but slow to see them in myself. Other times I see all to clearly my mistakes and...
"" actually consists of dozens of separate organizations, each with varying goals, tactics, and quality of leadership. The original Klan, which is not to be confused with the groups calling themselves by that name today, was organized in Pulaski, Tennessee, during the winter of 1865 to 1866, by six former Confederate army officers who gave their so...
We live in an age where the brutality and the vigilante justice of the knight errant is no longer acceptable for people with positions of stature in society. While courage and honor are still praised by society, one rarely finds a man true to his word regardless of cost. towards ladies is sometimes mistakenly decried by those supporting equality f...
Over the years, many people have believed that the issue of sexual harassment should not be discussed in public. Sexual harassment was to be discussed behind closed doors. In spite of this, the social and political systems have changed instantaneously. This social problem has affected men and women throughout time, however, i...
The drinking age in the United States is a contradiction. At the age of eighteen, one can drive a car, vote in an election, get married, serve in the military and buy tobacco products. In the United States you are legally an adult at eighteen. An eighteen-year-old, however, can not purchase alcoholic beverages. The minimum drinking...
Violence on television affects children negatively, according to psychological research. The three major effects of seeing violence on television are: ? Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. ? Children may be more fearful of the world around them. ? Children may be more likely to behave in aggre...
From the moment she stepped foot outside, Princess Diana of Whales had camera lenses and microphones pushed in her face. She was constantly pursued and for this reason she sometimes had to hide or disguise herself in order to avoid the unyielding persistence and constant harassment of the press. Eugene Robinson, a journalist in Eng...
A recent event brings attentions to a problem in our society, and that is the risk associated with substitute male figures in a child?s home. The situation is played out across the country everyday, boyfriends of a child?s mother abusing them or worse yet killing them. Why is there so much strain in these situations, and why do s...
The American democracy is one of the most peaceful kinds of government in the world although it is a long way from utopia. The democracy in which we live has many strengths and weaknesses. Neither strengths or weaknesses out weigh one another, but it is necessary to have both due to the varying definitions. A democracy is a go...
Euthanasia - Response to Anti Euthanasia Essay Euthanasia is a topic that provokes as much controversy as capital punishment, primarily because it is irreversible. The question of euthanasia being right or wrong is one that most would prefer left alone. However, recent publicity on changes to existing laws has ignited considerable d...
is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment.[1] In philosophical context, love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection. is central to many religions, as in the Christian phrase, "God is love" or Agape in the Canonical gospels.[2] may also be described as actions towards others (or oneself) based on...
Over time, marriage has been the solid base for procreation and child rearing, which is the foundation of family and social life. There is recognition that allowing polygamous or closely related couples into our marriage system would be dysfunctional in our society. Does this not apply to same-sex marriage as well? The social un...
