Our kids need heros... real ones

[cain73]

I think it's a shame that our youth look up to idiots, child molesters, thugs, etc, but it's our fault.
 Majic Johnson got aids and was immediately a hero for admitting it publicly. I don't get it ! he cheated on his wife with porn starts and prostitutes and any hot woman dropping her panties. He gets aids and suddenly all that is ok since he isnow willing to preach about education and getting rid of aids. He didn't care until he caught it.

Michael Jackson let go because he is rich and famous even when it's obvious he is guilty to some degree. If you find a boy's finger prints next to an adult's on a cild pron magazine, and the boy can describe the man's privates something inappropriate happened.

Our kids today try to mimic the crack selling thugs that wear their pants down to show their underwear, have no respect for anyone, and would rather shoot you than look at you. All because we have allowed it and let these people get away with what they do for so long that the kids see them as tough and making fast money.

A lot of the problems we have is due to our own ignorance and greed. Instead of fighting for what is right many take the easy way out calling it a difference of culture or opinion and don't want to be accused of being closed minded or judging someone else. Instead of spending time with our kids our society is more enclined to sit them in front of a tv to keep them out of our hair. We work more to make more to buy more junk instead of teaching our kids what family and values are all about.

Everyone's heard the saying the kids are our future. Well it's time we started thinking about them instead of just what we want. We are what our kids see everyday and we need to be setting examples of how they should act. If your kids are idolizing or looking up to someone it should be someone worth looking up to. When is the last time you heard a kid claiming an actual  "good guy" as their hero?

[Numkut]

I hate it when people think they are better than someone and act like they are to good to even talk to the person, common we are all humans.

[CAOSPOP]

Cain I completely agree. With my daughter im trying to sway her from The almighty Brittney.

Things are not like it was when i was growing up. And I turn 30 tommarrow.

[cain73]

CAOSPOP - I feel your pain brother. I turned 30 not long ago. Don't get down, be happy you've made it this long . Don't worry, nothing changes except the mark at which you consider people old. I used to think 30 was old... now I've moved that mark a little farther down the line. 

In today's society people are so greedy they will do almost anything to make money. They don't always consider the impact of their actions as long as they make the almighty dollar. I'm lucky, my oldest is 7 and doesn't even know who Brittney is  .

[jwscroll]

You want some real heros? Look at the lists of people serving in our country's military, dying for this countries beliefs on what freedom is. My friends are heros to me for putting themselves on the line , because if it wasn't for our soldiers over there keepin the terrorists busy defending their own country they would be in our country(the terrorists) wreaking havoc trying to destroy our way of life. Just one place to look for real heros.

[Chuck_Norris]

You want some real heros? Look at the lists of people serving in our country's military, dying for this countries beliefs on what freedom is. My friends are heros to me for putting themselves on the line , because if it wasn't for our soldiers over there keepin the terrorists busy defending their own country they would be in our country(the terrorists) wreaking havoc trying to destroy our way of life. Just one place to look for real heros.

SALUTE!!
WELL SAID CAIN

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[big-daddy]

well said guys, this look like a great thread

[SkyHighT100]

Just because someone is cool/trendy doesnt make them a hero or a role model. Unfortunately, kids can't always tell the difference. Whoever they see a lot of, often times automatically becomes a role model to them. It's easy for kids (and sometimes adults) to look at the biggest recording artist and look up to them. They have everything we want (money, house, stability, etc) and some of the time they actually have a talent or a drive that is admirable. Unfortunately, some of these artists get so wrapped up in what they are doing that they forget about the impressionable people watching and idolizing every move that they make. Every person has some trait that is admirable, we just have to be able to pick and choose which traits are right for us, but kids usually arent mature enough to make those decisions. It would be awesome to have a real role model that kids can look up to... but the people get what the people want. EX: When there is a scandal.. more albums/DVDs sell... coincidence... I think not. When people stop rewarding celebrities for doing wrong... then that is when we will begin to see actual 100% role-models come back into the light. Until then, we just have to teach our kids what is proper and allow them to decide for themselves which personality traits are right for them to look up to and admire.

[Quad32x]

I  grew  up  watching  things  like  John  Wayne  movies , The  Three  Stooges  and  Soul  Train.    Now  I  walk  tall , can  smack  someone  around  if  there  bad , have  a  sense  of  humor  with  a  side  of  funk.     But  really  I  try  to  teach  my  daughter  about  the  outdoors , rideing , fishing , boating  and  hikeing.  Keep  her  away  from  the  tv  as  much  as  I  can.  I  always  say  the  kid  is  a  reflection  of  the  parent.    And  will  you  guys  quit  whining  about  turning  30ish  before  I  smack  ya !

[TRX350_On_The_Rack]

How many of our childhood heros turned out to be scum? I agree that Brittney is not the best role model, but it's the society we live in. We need to be involved in our children's lives and interest and guide them to a better life. Who knows maybe your kid's hero may be you so make a good example for them.

[Qdawg76]

Just like Cain said but I added some.....................Some of the best places you can find hero's are in the US MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MEDICAL SERVICES or anyone serving our country in this time of need.
They dont get paid alot to do these jobs and are often criticized but the do it for this great country. Also What happened to kids hero's being there parents? This is a great post

[SkyHighT100]

Parents stopped becoming heros when they stopped being parents. How many parents do you see each day, acting more like kids themselves then actual parents? Most seem to offer no discipline, no proper guidence, they take more time to themselves then with the kids (sending them to friends houses on the weekends, or working non-stop), live with the "out of sight, out of mind" attitude, etc. I could keep listing reasons why most parents are no longer role models. 

[Qdawg76]

Parents stopped becoming heros when they stopped being parents. How many parents do you see each day, acting more like kids themselves then actual parents? Most seem to offer no discipline, no proper guidence, they take more time to themselves then with the kids (sending them to friends houses on the weekends, or working non-stop), live with the "out of sight, out of mind" attitude, etc. I could keep listing reasons why most parents are no longer role models.  I agree that not all parents are but I also think that it is the parent that should strive to be there kids hero's. Nothing like that feeling of a child who is proud of there parents

[SkyHighT100]

I agree. Parents should strive to be heros to thier children. But in order to do that, they first have to act like parents... and most dont. I know when I have kids, I want to be the mom that my kids not only respect and look up to, but be like a friend as well. I want them to say to themselves "I want to be just like her when I have kids". That's how I feel about my mom for the most part... and it's pretty cool.

P.S. Don't tell her I said that, lol

[TRX350_On_The_Rack]

I agree that not all parents are but I also think that it is the parent that should strive to be there kids hero's. Nothing like that feeling of a child who is proud of there parents

I concur. I have a lot of friends who are great parents and a few that are not. As parents I think we owe it to our kid's to be there for them. Not everybody is cut out for parenting, but from what I've seen the majority is. We can't let a few bad parent's and role models deter us. As they say the harder the work, the greater the reward.

[Lost Soul]

I HAVE A DIFFERENT TAKE ON THIS IDEA:


Be your own role model!!!

Be an amazing and unique individual.

I don't think it's appropriate to look to another person to shape one's self.
I think one should concentrate on shaping one's self from within. To be inspired by another person, or the actions of another person is a great thing, but you need to be able to seperate good from bad. You certainly don't want to emulate a bad person who does a few good things. I think children get caught up in that idea.


I think to try to emmulate another pesons lifestyle isn't being true to one's self. Be who you are, and become who you wish to be.


It's a shame when we start blaming out shortcomings on the "lack of role models" or other exterior forces. It just makes for more excuses.


That's just my two cents.

Lost Soul XX
Peace Out.

[gery350]

during the course of the day you take on many roles.(parent,employee,boss,friend,sibling,etc.)
but i'll tell you what i can die tomorrow knowing that i was the best father i could be. i wish i had alot more to give my children but i dont and thats life.  i dont have what alot of my friends have but i do have my integrity(i know it sounds corny).  and i know many of you out there feel the same.
it all starts with the home life and the respect and love you give your children.

[Quad32x]

Im  with  ya  on  that  gery350 !!

[cain73]

Hey look I'm  finally part of a thread that isn't controversial and it looks like everyone agrees  .
But seriously...
SkyHigh - If I wasn't married I think I would propose!
I agree with everything you said.
Along with not rewarding those that act like idiots, we need to be the parents we are supposed to be. It's up to us to make sure that our kids acquire the traits that will make them good role models one day. In today's society it's getting harder and harder. It's hard to stomach what some of today's kids are looking up to. Like has been said there are role models out thers, they just aren't seen as role models by today's kids. It's the parents fault, and we need to make it right. We can't tell everyone's kids, or sometimes even our own, who they should look up to, but we can make sure that we as responsible adults are acting like role models ourselves. Hopefully this will show the kids that through our actions our successes, character, and intergrity are achieved. you may not always realize it but you are almost always being observed by someone that you could be making a good impression on.
And we need to reinforce the fact that people like military, fireman, cops, doctors, etc. are heros and should be looked up to. Not all heros are famous. Back in the day we had people like John Wayne, or Audey Murphy that were both. now it's more likely that those that are famous are probably not the ones to idolize.
Our kids should still have the dreams to be astronauts, and cops, or nurses, or military instead of violent music stars known for carrying guns and getting high, or an athelete on steroids that hits an official. I think it was Charles Barkley that said that he never asked to be a role model. He's a great athelete, but far from someone I want my son acting like. It's our job to make sure that we do our best to reinforce the real role models and not just the glitter and fame the media would have rammed down our kids' throats to further their endorsements and generate revenue.
It's true that we canbe our own role models, but someone needs to help point our kids in teh right direction until they can also be there own role models of behavior. that's why it's so important to raise them as accountable individuals and instill morals and intergrity in them at a young age. You can't wait until they're 16 failing out of school, doing drugs, stealing, etc., to try and make a change.
I was glad to see so many positive responses so quickly on this matter. It just goes to show that there are a lot of good people like us out there and we can make a difference.

[TRX350_On_The_Rack]

Hey look I'm  finally part of a thread that isn't controversial and it looks like everyone agrees  .
But seriously...
SkyHigh - If I wasn't married I think I would propose!
I agree with everything you said.
Along with not rewarding those that act like idiots, we need to be the parents we are supposed to be. It's up to us to make sure that our kids acquire the traits that will make them good role models one day. In today's society it's getting harder and harder. It's hard to stomach what some of today's kids are looking up to. Like has been said there are role models out thers, they just aren't seen as role models by today's kids. It's the parents fault, and we need to make it right. We can't tell everyone's kids, or sometimes even our own, who they should look up to, but we can make sure that we as responsible adults are acting like role models ourselves. Hopefully this will show the kids that through our actions our successes, character, and intergrity are achieved. you may not always realize it but you are almost always being observed by someone that you could be making a good impression on.
And we need to reinforce the fact that people like military, fireman, cops, doctors, etc. are heros and should be looked up to. Not all heros are famous. Back in the day we had people like John Wayne, or Audey Murphy that were both. now it's more likely that those that are famous are probably not the ones to idolize.
Our kids should still have the dreams to be astronauts, and cops, or nurses, or military instead of violent music stars known for carrying guns and getting high, or an athelete on steroids that hits an official. I think it was Charles Barkley that said that he never asked to be a role model. He's a great athelete, but far from someone I want my son acting like. It's our job to make sure that we do our best to reinforce the real role models and not just the glitter and fame the media would have rammed down our kids' throats to further their endorsements and generate revenue.
It's true that we canbe our own role models, but someone needs to help point our kids in teh right direction until they can also be there own role models of behavior. that's why it's so important to raise them as accountable individuals and instill morals and intergrity in them at a young age. You can't wait until they're 16 failing out of school, doing drugs, stealing, etc., to try and make a change.
I was glad to see so many positive responses so quickly on this matter. It just goes to show that there are a lot of good people like us out there and we can make a difference.

Well said

[jwscroll]

Charles said I am not a role model, I didn't ask to be and anyone w/brains wouldn't make me one.
 I'm the product of a diffunct marriage, my role models have always been my Grandfathers. Now I know not everyone was blessed w/as many years as I was w/their grandparents but I always catch myself asking "What would Granddaddy do?".
Now I know that sounds corny, but I'm from the deep south where children are still taught to answer an adult w/a sir or ma'am at the end of it. My children are being taught the same thing. Even at pre-school, I've requested the teachers keep on my son about it until it becomes second nature for him to respect his elders which will in turn teach him what respect is, and this will carry over into every aspect of his life. Respect for fellow man, respect for women, and when they have kids it will be so ingrained in them that they will pass it on to their kids. Thats called heritage something alot of youth today are lacking.
 I'm not sure if any of this makes sense just started rambling.
   

[gery350]

makes perfect sense to me. my grandfather is the only man i admire and wish i could be more like.

[tekhanto]

you're making perfect sense of it.....

[cain73]

My Grandfather is the one man I hope to be like. If I even come close I have succeeded in being a great man. You're right about the heritage thing. Being brought up I was told about my family and the geat people that lived before me. I wanted to be an astronaut, cop, fireman, etc. Today kids want to be left alone and do what ever  they want. we have left them to their own devices by having 2 working more focused on buying that new boat then spending time with junior making sure he's on the right track. And the liberal society now simply labels everything and calls it ok or says it's not their fault. I'm all for positive reinforcement and educating our kids in the right ways to act and behave, but believe by allowing the bad role models get aways with everything we are setting our kids up for failure. If we help them in the begining they will eventually be worthy of looking inside themselves to find right and wrong. If we just stick them in front of the TV or Playstation or allow them to act like the scum of society ,regardless of how much fame or money they have, we'll pay for it later. Who wants the future leaders to be an illiterate, crack smoking, wife beating, belligerent, saggy pants moron with their fingers on the button of world ending nukes ready to push it because some other country has a louder stereo in their cars  and sells drugs cheaper ?

[SkyHighT100]

Glad I could make you smile Cain, hehe.

I know what it's like growing up in tough situations. I would have killed to have grown up with a positive father figure (My best friends dad is the closest I have). The only "father" figure I had has done 10 years of irreversable damage to me. There is only 1 person on this website who knows what I have been through and I still don't think it's really registered in his mind... or he just has no idea what to think about it. Everyone has been through things in their life that allow someone else to look up to them. Part of me wishes I could lose all memory of what was done to me for so many years. The other part is somewhat glad it happend because in some cases it's made me a stronger person... not in most cases, but some. I know there are a lot of kids/adults out there that have gone through or are going through what I have, it is nice to be able to help them while at the same time, help myself. I know of a few cases where I have been able to make a diffrence... it is the best feeling in the world. I look forward to having kids some day and being able to be the best that I can for them and be their role model.