Did We Cancel Our Role Models?
Finding people to look up to in a culture that tears people down.
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It’s hard to use social media without noticing the amount of people lamenting the loss of good role models. By now, you would have heard it attributed to all manner of social problems, from violent crime, online radicalisation and race related issues to existential directionlessness. Out of 8 billion people, it seems many struggle to find a single person worthy of modeling one's behaviour after. What gives?
Are we a society of individuals so indifferent to virtue that it's hard to find anyone to look up to?
Sure, if you spend enough time online it can feel like basic manners have joined the long list of things being dismantled. Therefore it may be tempting to believe we are suffering from moral decay. But our difficulty coming up with people we’d refer to as good role models stems from elsewhere.
Besides the fact that many who’ve been labeled as role models regard the term as more of a burden than a compliment, the conditions that formed our notion of an ideal "role model" no longer exist. Our world is now devoid of the mystery that previously made some people appear morally and intellectually distinguished. In other words,
we know too much about each other.
Combined with the fact that many across the political spectrum care more about what you believe than how you behave, lots of would-be role models get disqualified based on their ideological leanings. To say there are no good role models is not to decry an absence of talented, successful, intelligent, wealthy, artistic, philanthropic, and compassionate people. Often, it is to bemoan the lack of public figures who promote our particular worldview. It is to become aware that very few, if any, are championing what you consider important.
But, as mentioned, part of our shortage of role models is that we now live with technology that makes it far too easy, tempting even, to demolish your own reputation. We’re an unforgiving bunch, so it’s hard to continue to hold anyone in high regard after you’ve seen them humiliate themselves online or come down on the ‘wrong’ side of a political issue.
On a platform where people feel compelled to share more and more of themselves, we will inevitably find something to dislike.
Some of our past role models may only remain pristine in our recollection because they lived without the digital tools to broadcast every other thought and disgrace themselves in front of millions of strangers.
But our struggle to identify role models can teach us something useful, for it reveals a bitter truth; the most admirable people don't often live up to the standards they advocate. This is why many public figures refuse to portray themselves as role models: indeed, the very traits that have allowed them to become public figures can undermine their reputations as ethical exemplars.
For role models, we might want to look closer to home and not at public figures who often acquire visibility through a relentless desire for power or popularity. Instead of looking to people we don’t know, why not consider some of the people you regularly come across.
When in search of those who display model behaviour, think of any couples you know who communicate well with each other. The person you know who always shares their work even though they aren’t that good. An individual who does not require public recognition to feel fulfilled. A young person who isn't afraid to have interests that differ from their peers. A person who provides, protects and relishes time with their family. A person who doesn't let their extraordinarily difficult circumstances dampen their determination.
If you’re looking properly, there are inspirational figures everywhere, but things get complicated if you’re looking for someone to emulate.
We no longer live in a time where we can be unaware of the questionable things popular people have said and done. There’s also a good chance such people have had a damaging accusation lobbied against them which challenges their credibility. But such is life.
Anyone looking for a role model who they completely agree with or has never made bad choices is looking for a deity, not a decent human being.
A lack of suitable role models also presents an opportunity. If no one is promoting what you want to see, then become everything you do not see enough of. Perhaps the problem is that we’re searching for role models instead of finding the courage to create our own roles.
Your Turn
Think about what the concept of a role models means to you. Most people can name someone they admire, but you’ll understand yourself better if you understand what drives your admiration.
Do you have role models and if so, what makes them worth admiration?
What function do role models play for a culture and what happens when there are no commonly admired role models?
Have you thought of yourself as being a potential role model for others? How can you accomplish this if yes, why not if no?
Share your thoughts in the comments to help us create a community of thinkers who can tackle our societal issues. We’re all about shared perspectives here.