In today’s society how do young people chose their role models? Do they really look up to people for the good that they are doing or do we all simply have an obsession with celebrity? We set out to look at just who the young people of our city look up to and why?
| Out of all the people we interviewed no one named a person in their community, a parent or a guardian. |
RH: Even within our own story team myself and Owen’s opinions have differed. Owen believes the fact that most people will only chose famous people as their role models is completely false, as the life of a celebrity is somewhat like a nuclear bomb, you press one wrong button and it is all over!
However I believe looking up to famous people can be justified. Christina Aguilera’s lyrics mean a lot to me and I don’t really care that the media always slaughter her, because she is a strong individual and has a positive approach to life. Here is what the other young people we interviewed had to say.
“Anastasia has made a difference in my life and because of her I always wanted to be a singer and this is the reason why I started song writing, because I want to make the same difference in someone else’s life the way she made a difference in my life.”- Emmet Barr, 14.
“I look up to Eminem because he came from a poor and rough background and worked hard to get to his current position and he is a very respected rapper, he is also highly thought off.” –Conor Mc Goldrick, 12.
“My role model is Pink because she stands up for herself and because she believes that animal cruelty is wrong. Her songs are also very special because she writes them herself. She once said she would love to lock up all the humans and set free all the animals.” - Natasha McElhinney, 16.
“I look up to Dr Stephen Harvey. He was the first person that revolutionised the theory of the blood flow through the human body. This has raised the standard of medical care. He never gave up on his theory even though it was criticised many times but he proved himself right and many people can be saved by his work.” – Nicole Lynch, 13
"I love Pink because she knew what she wanted to do and she went and did it no matter what everybody said. She makes it possible for other artists to go out there and follow their dreams.” – Dorothy Lawrence, 16.
“Bob Marley because his music is relaxing but it also tells us about how difficult life can be.”– Niall Bradley, 14.
Out of all the people we interviewed no one named a person in their community, a parent or a guardian.
We think it does highlight the fact that celebrities have to set a good example for young people because so many of us do look up to them, but it is also important that young people are realistic about their heroes. Just because a person is famous doesn’t make them a role model. It is what they do with that fame that is also important.
About the team
This story was produced by Children’s Express Foyle Bureau members Owen Shields, 17, and Rhonda Hogg, 15. It was published by Derry News.
