West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL (1888PressRelease)
April 10, 2009 - By Deborah Bernstein - According to Wikipedia, the term “role model” first appeared in a socialization research paper of medical students. The writer hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires. The online source goes on to explain that the term passed into general use to mean “any person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others.”
Are positive role models lacking in today’s society…and how important is it for us to have role models?
My own response is “yes” to the first question and “very important” to the second. These are among reasons I’ve made every effort to be a role model for young women. As a two-time pageant winner, I’ve used my victories to further the platforms (charitable causes) in which I believe. I’ve also been able to help groom and mentor young women so that they’ll be better prepared to succeed personally and professional in their own lives. I do this because it is rewarding for me and, I believe, necessary.
People oftentimes define their role models as people they don’t know personally, such movie stars and sports personalities. But many of those celebrities have failed to act as model citizens. On the other hand, Christopher Reeve was an exemplary role model. Though he once played a super hero, because of an accident he could no longer walk (or fly). Despite this tragic occurrence, he learned to live outside his body in a way that few people have the strength or courage to do. Rarely has someone demonstrated such an astonishing ability to face restrictions and step beyond them into a life that knows no limitation.
We may find role models who are in some way involved in our lives, such as a favorite teacher. Or that role model may be someone who has had to go through similar challenges and struggles as we have undergone. At times, we may not recognize our role models until we have noticed our own personal growth.
Effective role models are people who possess the qualities that we would like to have ourselves. They make us want to become better. They encourage us to advocate for ourselves and others and to assume leadership on the issues that we believe in. They push us to believe we can get to where they have gone. They influence us to make the right choices in life.
Studies show that too few role models and a lack of a sense of identity are driving today’s youth to join gangs. Most of these teens don’t look up to or respect their parents. They consider their friends or peers as role models instead, and want to identify with them, be accepted and receive their support. In this case, that’s not a good thing.
I wish there were more role models in a wide range of industries. For instance, I know some young women who love technology but won’t pursue it as a career because of a lack of strong female role models who have traveled that path and became leaders. They need IT women to look up to for encouragement and to emulate. The same applies to other career fields, too.
We must engage our youth by setting good examples ourselves. Not everyone will follow. But those who do, I believe, will benefit tenfold. Young people need to develop confidence to reach for their dreams and to know that attaining them may be possible.
Deborah Bernstein is a Boca Raton, Florida resident, wife, mother, philanthropist, professional model and two-time pageant winner. She is the reigning Ms. Florida US Continental and was the Mrs. Florida 2002 titleholder. Bernstein, who is happy to make special appearances at community or business events, can be reached at (561) 329-4721 or via e-mail at MsFlorida2008 ( @ ) live dot com.
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