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Does Australia put too much pressure on professional footballers to be role models? |
Is it too much to ask these talented young men to be role models? Why do they contineu to behave so badly? Why haven't they learned from the mistakes of others? Does the media give them too much glory too soon? I think that it is a little harsh to just solely blame the players. You have to look at the hole picture. They are a product of there upbringing and the experiences of there short lives. The whole picture includes there culture, the parents, the clubs that often sign them up in early teenage years, their school etc. It is these people and experiences that determine there reactions in a certain situation. I don't expect the footballers to be polished speakers, angels and media savvy. However, what I do expect of them is to behave in a rational and socially acceptable way, just like anyone else in society. These values need to be instilled by the people around them. When they behave badly they should be reprimanded for it, not have it swept under the rug by "minders" so that they can play next weekend. Fortunately there are a lot of good footballers out there who are pleasant and add a great deal to society. Unfortunately for them their reputation is sullied by a few boof heads whose 'talents' all too often end up as front page media. Development of the person should come before development of the footballer. Alas it is not even on the same page. There has to be a level of conduct associated with the profession. These young men are the role models of our children, and their bad behaviour can have a direct impact on how children perceive the world and their values. Society treats celebrities as stars, and they make a huge amount of money from their popularity, but unlike surgeons, they aren't exactly saving lives, chucking a ball around a field. In their privileged position, the least they can do is, at least, not be *bad* role models. key word is: professional. having some kind of line in the sand is good for the sport and everyone associated with it. They have had everything handed to them in the past, so maybe a little pressure will be good for them; about time for them to have to work for things. And they continue to behave badly because they have been getting away with everything since high school. I say screw the jocks. And glory? I see nothing glorious about them no matter what the media says. Who believes what the media says anyway? Australian footballers are role models to young and old, LOTS of people look up to them (even though they are just footy heads). They should maintain a level of maturity when going out not saying they can't have fun just that they are representing their sport and all who play it. With the amount of money these men are paid, and the fact that they are in the lime light, the pressure is just. When you think about it, most dont have a second job, all they really have to do is attend training, play a game of football, appear at charity events and childrens hospitals. To me thats not alot of pressure. The least they can do is behave themselves and become real role models to young children. With parents trying to instill into kids that taking drugs or drinking excessively is wrong, when their "hero's" are carrying on like pork chops, it really doesnt help. When it comes down to it, if they werent paid as much as what they are, and had to work as well, I really think football, no matter what code would be less of a soap opera. Sick of the drama in football - just play |
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