The Downside of Celebrity Influence on Children

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Children are influenced left and right by role models all across the world in ways that could have a positive or negative impact on them. A role model is a person whose success or unsuccess is impacted by people, especially children. Celebrities often times become role models without even choosing to be because of the social media. For example, even turning on the television for two minutes you can hear all the negative things that these celebrities have done. These public figures should not be considered role models because they influence poor decision making, they can lower children's self esteem, and while children rely on celebrities, parents should be their role models. When celebrities make the choice to become famous, they take on a big job of becoming a role model. Most children across America believe and rely on athletes to be their good examples. Ian Mendes states that, “Athletes may have money, fame …show more content…

Today’s parent believes that some children can’t look up to a role model when they don’t have a real relationship with them, “Kids need to have role models that they can interact with on a daily basis.” Also posters can’t talk back to you, so you can’t trust a “fake” person on the wall. These posters can’t help you with problems or life skills, that is your guardian's job to address. In Charles Barkley’s famous television ad for Nike announcing, “I am not a role model. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball, doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” (Mendes).This recognized quote was ravished, while many of his fellow athletes disagreed with him. This lead on to controversies between him and many other players. Karl Malone states, “Charles… I don’t think it’s your decision to make. We don’t choose our role models, we are chosen.” Which is correct, but to be a role model you have to be successful, not hurtful towards others, and most of all, a well rounded

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