Athletes as Role Models

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how the sports entertainment industry has transformed many athletes into stars. The paper examines how Michael Jordan was rated more popular than then-President George Bush. The paper further examines how star athletes are household names and advertising powerhouses. The paper explores how many children idolize these athletes and aspire to their achievements. The writer proposes that this raises the question of whether or not professional athletes are appropriate role models for today's youth.

From the Paper:

"While these arguments have merit, they ignore the fact that professional athletes are already role models, at least in the eyes of millions of young people. Moreover, this adulation accorded to athletes is far from new. History is replete with examples of the hero worship that has been shown to professional athletes - from the gladiators of ancient Rome to the American Gridiron. This willing hero worship renders the question of whether "professional athletes are role modes as moot. They already are role models for millions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Araton, Harvey. "The Temptations of Success," New York Times, April 4, 2004."
• Brown, Ashley. "Are Players Role Models?" The Lantern, December 5, 2003.
• Cook, Glen. "Win at All Costs," American School Board Journal, August 2003.
• Doren, Kim and Charlie Jones. You Go Girl: Winning the Woman's Way. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2000.
• Epstein, Joseph. "Bats, Balls, and Idols," American Enterprise, September 2000.

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