NOT MY ROLE MODEL!

For some time now the issue of who or what constitutes a "Role Model" bothers me।

From Wikipedia
The term role model first appeared in Robert K. Merton's socialization research of medical students.[1] Merton hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with "reference groups" of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires.[1] The term has passed into general use to mean any "person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others".

With this definition in mind, is a celebrity really a Role Model? By celebrity I mean someone who is famous for their achievements in Sports, Music, TV, Films, Authorship, Politics, Educational skills, Championship status and so forth?
Fame is certainly a fickle mistress. It sweeps you up and carries you along for an amazing ride, not always pleasant. Many today are caught up in the whirlwind of fame where your accomplishments are often overshadowed by some published indiscretion.
Whatever happened to just being a Fan, of admiring those who entertain you, simply because they are good at what they do?
When my daughter was in High School, she played the Clarinet. She became friendly with the 1st chair holder and truly admired his ability for it seemed effortless. She talked about him all the time and compared herself to him. They became good friends, but when the semester was over he advanced to another band, called Symphonic. He finally told her she could be just as good if she practiced more, and gave her some pointers as she required them. Amazingly this is what I had been telling her all along. It worked! By the time she had graduated she had made 1st chair and moved up progressively from Concert Band to Symphonic Band and the ultimate band, Wind Ensemble. She was also in the Marching Band for her last 2 years. I was very proud and attended as many concerts and games as I could supporting her.
Natural ability is not always enough. Everyone needs encouragement and instruction, even someone they can look up too. Young and old can always benefit from the advice and experience of that persons which inspires us. Inspiration is a wonderful thing and we must continue to look for it in one form or another everywhere, for you never know when you might find it. However, if it is a model for your life, you should look closer to home. Have you taken a really good look at your Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Aunt, Uncle, Grandmother, Grandfather, Cousin, Teacher, Coach, A Co-worker, Friend, Minister or Neighbor?
You wont find what you need on TV, in the Movies you watch, or in the games you play, because they are Paid to entertain you.
Through-out my life I have known some wonderfully talented and gifted people, more that a few have mentored me, without even knowing it.
Take a look around you, there are people you can learn from। Don't tell me you don't see them, cause if you don't, then you must be blind and live in a cave!

Peace
Loko, Queen of the Night