Whatever happened to role models? You know…the ones visible, viable, and those that you can look up to? How can we elicit a wake up call to be accountable to our youth? There got to be changes in 2007 in how we conduct ourselves so others would know how to make the right decisions for good follow-through methods. The fabric that weaves the order of the day can hardly hold a candle to how ‘Big Mama’ shifted her weight for emphasis in the community, and in a many households of today. I make reference to this analogy because of what I see around me that are influencing our youth negatively, and what adults are not doing to implement good examples to follow. In the days of my youth, the village was alive with many models and roles that was not compromised because a lack of authority. We didn’t have all of the nuances available today that prevented us from taking school seriously, or the bling-bling of monetary misappropriation. Those commodities have been enhanced and are a vital part of why things are awry and in disarray. To make matters worse, once a certain status is attained, role models are ignored. Instead, we have kids that are defiant of rules, faddish beyond reproach, and imposing neglect for honesty, nobility, courage, and obedience to parents, good manners, generosity, unity, thankfulness, kindness, cooperation, and love. Suffice it to say, this may be harsh to a few of you out there that may want to compromise and give more benefit to doubt about this generation of youth. The goal of having children begin at a young age focusing on personal character more than their worldly achievements can go a long way in crafting a different mindset. And because of this, I’m questioning the role of models for our communities that would give these kids much more than lip service and well-meaning intent without strong exemplifying influence. The purpose of this essay is give better results in the continuing need to affect positive change, and to champion the cause of why the need for role models has never been greater.

I remember the misplaced statement a former basketball star uttered: “I’m not a role model, parents should be.” This was a caustic statement that was part of a Nike advertising campaign that aired some years back with reactions that echoed throughout the Black community. When I first heard the comment I readily asked myself to what extent should society bear this load, especially if status is of an enormous responsibility where notoriety borders on examples for others to follow? With this in mind, it became clear to me that certain high profile personalities in sports, entertainment, and other notorious venues straddle the fence on being iconic, and having marginal tendencies for role modeling. They at times don't do the right thing by committing egregious fouls that will take more than free throws to allow better examples for our children to follow. Yes, parents should be the first role models they see in their adolescent years, but star status behavior draw parallels to true distinction between role models and icons, and where the role model way of working is positive in the lives and outcomes of others. I think, noted personnel such as entertainers and athletes readily exemplify iconic behavior – and are prone to be voices that are respected in the settings that children would want to excel in. Lest the wrong ideas are exposed, they need to be most careful in what is perceived.

I feel the role of models in our communities should be written for a better live outline for creating a sound world for our young folk to be representative of their elders. Role models have no financial or socioeconomic conditions but for the examples that serves as catalysts for positive evolution of those who walk among them. I lament the fact and find it strenuous trying to find solutions to a problem that has become pathetic. I’ve raised concern in my community because qualified applicants are few and far between…and what may become even worse, those who need them do not realize who they are. I decided to take action to define deep within myself what is needed to make a difference in becoming accountable. I’m a promoter at my church in helping young boys transition to men, and young girls to women. We’ve set up a comprehensive program incorporating Rites of Passage and Orita principles. The beauty of this program is that it allows them to learn firsthand what to look for as early as possible to be able to make distinct choices in following themselves, as opposed to following and embracing people who are not giving good displayed effort.

I looked up to Dr. Benjamin Mays, my mentor at Morehouse; Paul Robeson was a force in his day; so was Rosa Parks; I STILL admire Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in; I just adore Marian Wright Edelman for effecting the advocation and elevation of youth; Oprah is still building and bearing truth in giving us a blueprint for business; and Magic Johnson is doing a credible job as an entrepreneur. These are, and were real role models. If I can affect change and continue to give these kids a new lease on life, it would be through spiritual growth and the reeducation of family ties. I would also initiate chances to reinforce the importance of enriching the environment in which they live. I do not want materialism to obscure their eyesight at the expense of humility; I want them to abstain from the search for cash that supersede the importance of knowledge; I want street credulity to be reduced, for character and integrity to heighten; I demand that their future be improved by them being able to think on their feet, speak with confidence, and have as much self-respect to know who they are and where they should go. This is my mandate, and I will not allow my ability to be a role model to run on empty without soluble challenges and change.

In conclusion, the role of models for our communities should set examples for chivalry not to die, and for us all to make better decisions. We must allow arbitration and any other means of negotiable initiatives to make these kids stand up and be accountable to discipline. In the eyes of a child, a grownup should act accordingly, and show signs of maturity. In other words, we have to take control as parents and rule like Big Mama did. The distinction between role model and icon must be clearly defined to those that we are trying to influence. Once that is done, we must confirm that role with unmitigating support, and not compromise anything that would dilute true intent accordingly. It doesn’t take much to be role model to your community. There are a few conditions and cautions that must be adhered to, though. Also, take a look at what you must carry for your model to be role intensive:

* Individually and collectively, carry yourself in a way where confidence is not taken as acts of arrogance…and where respect is demanded

* As parents, be present as much as possible in all endeavors involving the choices of your children

* Reacquaint our youth with self-estimable resolve in their understanding of historical value as posterity for cultural awareness

* Stand up and claim that which is just instead of political correctness or any other that may not give intrinsic value to right vs. wrong

* Give our youth a thorough lesson on how our ancestors were role models to their particular plight in helping them to understand the true characteristics of a role model

Misplaced value is commonplace and apropos for this generation where the accepted norm is found in rappers, athletes, entertainers, and other personalities not doing nearly enough to bolster our communities to effect change in how youngsters to see them in a positive light. These things are important…moreover; we must realize that we control the means of becoming role models in the adage of ‘leading by example’. More of us need to walk the walk, and talk clearly enough to be understood for all that has been given with this essay. Take a good inventory of yourself and ask — Am I doing all I can to champion good causes, and utilize all the tools for change? How long must we look in the mirror before realizing that it’s much more than an injustice not to do so? The role of models for all communities is to get the job done by any means necessary!