Should Athletes Be Role Models Research Paper

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Athletes: Should They Be Role Models? During the 1932 World Series, between the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, George Herman Ruth Jr. also known as Babe Ruth hit arguably the most famous home run in baseball history. After Ruth pointed to the outfield, his next hit went exactly where he pointed. Consequently, many generations of children would mimic Ruth while playing baseball. Moreover, children of that time idolized Babe Ruth and viewed him as a role model. A role model can be defined as someone who is imitated by another individual because of their achievements, and actions (“Role model”). The way we view athletes has not changed since 1932, and children in today’s society still look up to and emulate their favorite athletes. While whether or not athletes should be viewed as role models is widely debated, there is ample evidence affirming athletes should act as role models for our society. However, with no regard to the evidence, many athletes claim that their main duty is to be an athlete and should not be accountable as a role model. For example, in a Nike commercial Charles Barkley stated, “I am not a role model! I’m a professional basketball player. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court” (Sailes 56). In addition, opponents also claim that many athletes do not show admirable morals; therefore, athletes should …show more content…

For instance, athletes promote physical fitness programs. When I was growing up, I remember former body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger promoting physical education programs in schools, yet his life of steroids or the media’s coverage of his extra-marital affair is improper behavior. However, parents only use the positive things. The majority of athletes are required to meet certain levels of physical ability to stay competitive. When children notice how physically fit their favorite athlete is, they want to have the same

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