A question came up on a talk show yesterday, a question that has me puzzled.
When speaking to a High School student, name a public figure in any arena who who could be cited as a "role model."
I'm coming up empty.
I would exclude sports and entertainment figures because sports stars haven't lived long enough to have a significant track record, and entertainment figures generally do not live in the real world. I would also be reluctant to mention politicians, since their path to success is often one of mere glad-handing and ass-kissing. (Although there are some Republicans with brief military backgrounds who might qualify).
You can't use fictional characters because, obviously, they didn't live in the real world either.
I know lots of ordinary people who have working-class backgrounds and have had successful careers and exemplary family lives, but they are not well known. That's probably who I would cite, if the HS kid knew them well.
But for public figures, I'm still scratching my head.
Any nominees?
When speaking to a High School student, name a public figure in any arena who who could be cited as a "role model."
I'm coming up empty.
I would exclude sports and entertainment figures because sports stars haven't lived long enough to have a significant track record, and entertainment figures generally do not live in the real world. I would also be reluctant to mention politicians, since their path to success is often one of mere glad-handing and ass-kissing. (Although there are some Republicans with brief military backgrounds who might qualify).
You can't use fictional characters because, obviously, they didn't live in the real world either.
I know lots of ordinary people who have working-class backgrounds and have had successful careers and exemplary family lives, but they are not well known. That's probably who I would cite, if the HS kid knew them well.
But for public figures, I'm still scratching my head.
Any nominees?
