The Reluctant Role Model

Several years ago Charles Barkley, of NBA fame, got into some trouble with the law. I don't remember now if it was drugs or drink or speeding. But it was his first time and an interviewer asked him how he felt about all the kids and people he let down. His response was that he didn't really care. He had never asked to be a role model and no one should look up to him.



Problem is, most people don't ask to be role models. You don't really wake up one morning and think "Today is the day I become a role model." I suppose there are those people that make a conscious decision to join a group like the Boys and Girls Club or Big Brothers/Big Sisters and know that becoming a role model is a byproduct of their involvement, or can be at least.



No, for the average Joe, being a role model for someone is usually accidental. And usually unexpected. Which means we REALLY have to be careful what we do! You never know who might be watching.

Nor do you know what might be noticed by someone. Role models can be positive or negative. There are some powerful commercials on television to get people to stop smoking. It shows young girls playing dress up and then pretending to smoke a cigarette. The moms watching are mortified. They didn't realize their actions were being so closely monitored. But of course your kids are going to look up to you! They want to be like their parents.

It isn't always your parents of course. Maybe it is someone at work trying to better themselves with more education, or a neighbor improving their health, or any number of things.

I think the secret is really to try and live a life that you won't be embarrassed by if someone does emulate you. Be proud of yourself every night when you lay down to go to sleep and then you don't have to worry. You won't get a Superman suit with a cape and an "R" on the chest but you can have a sense of personal pride when you realize that someone took notice and wanted to be like you.

And, for the record, not too long ago Charles Barkley did an interview - from a jail in Arizona.