This 21st century society is filled with variety of people that possessed different characters, attitude and behaviors. Most of these people are of various races and colours. Some are black, while others are white with human qualities and life styles, each individual can emulate.
Many a person, have dreamt and striving towards becoming one of the following people: Barrack Obama, Okwonjo Iweala, Lionnel Messi, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Tuface Idibia and Prof. Wole Shoyinka, ad infinitive. What do these people shared in common? They are persons of ground breaking records, there seats have been reserved among the heroes and perfect examples of role model. Who is a role model?
Role models are people that have achieved giant leap in facets of human endeavours that one can imitate. i.e people who serve as an example, whose behaviours is emulated by others.(Wikipedia). Role models are outstanding individuals who contribute back to the society.
Evolution of role model in this contemporary world has been on an escalating rate. Over the years new individuals with meritorious achievements and success sprang up almost every day. According to imitation theory by Gabriel Tarde, “the process of specialization is more or less passive, individuals learn how to behave in specific social situation by observing and modeling the behaviour, perceived values, beliefs and norms exhibited by significance others’’. such as family members, friends, teachers etc who acts as a role model.
In the light of this, with the aid of globalization and modernization that has turned the world to a global village where there is easy accessibility to both local and foreign people, cultures and beliefs, most people are now striving to imitate whom they admire, hereafter role models keep multiplying.
However, it is pertinent to note that becoming a role model or being successful in life involves three things: persistence, value judgment and prayer. i.e. to continue tenaciously in the course of action in spite of difficulties or oppositions; assessment of your life relative to that of your role model; and prayer. With these three qualities, very soon you will join the league of champions.
Nevertheless, evolution of these people claiming to be role models need to be looked upon considering the pros and cons. It is good to have role models, provided that they have their garments unstained. It is high time; we left the era of breeding corrupt leaders, most especially politicians, hooligans, musicians, to mention the most but important ones. The music industry of this century is tending towards aberrancy. The clarion call is on the parents who are the prima agents of socialization and saddle with supervisory role of monitoring their wards and children at adolescent age as they imitate others. Children actions shouldn’t all times be attributed to youthful exuberance and infantilism.
In the course of imitating others, youths should always denounce the other side of your role model. Live a life (better life) that if every man is like you and every life like yours the society at large would be better and the earth would be a God paradise.
