Choosing Role Models

What are we to think of the youth who still don't lead by example? By now the Chris Brown/Rihanna fiasco has been plastered all over the media, with Wrigley/Doublemint gum suspending the Chris Brown commercial from being aired, as well as the "got milk" ad being pulled. Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) admits to taking steroids and the Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps who captured Americans hearts as well 8 gold medals gets caught with smoking pot. On a quieter note, Jody Sweetin of Full House fame tested clean, no drugs. Lindsay Lohan is quiet, knock on wood. But what the hell?

Alright, alright but it's become very clear to me that the youth of today cannot handle too much fame and fortune too quickly. Society has placed celebrities on an unrealistic pedestal and we expect that they lead a clean life when in fact, we're all human and made mistakes. Some a lot more costly than others but they are mistakes all the same.

With so many single parent homes, and homes where parents are working two or more jobs just trying to make ends meet in our recession/depression, we need to present other role models to our youth and let them know that they don't have use performance enhancement drugs or drugs of any kind. It's not ok for domestic violence or any volatile situation for any relationship. There are so many youth community service programs, rotary clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs in which our youth can get involved by participating. See other youth, their peers and look up to them as role models. Let them know that role models are still people. After all, just go to my post dated January 21, 2009 and you'll see another set of role models appealing to all ages. They may not be perfect but along with those shown below, for the most part try to lead by example, bounce back and are resilient in their efforts.

Actor, Denzel Washington

Actress, rapper/singer Dana Owens aka Queen Latifah