Guest Editorial: Role models and responsibility
By JEFF POHLMAN
Peabody Police Chief
Growing up as a young boy I had many examples of role models in which to pattern my life. Role models are people we look up to and try to equal or attempt to be better than. Everyone has the potential to be a positive example in the lives of those around us, if we are willing to take on commitment and responsibility. It is important to analyze where we fit in and to whom we are role models, and remember we are not necessarily the ones who make the choice.
Picking a role model begins at a very young age and normally starts out being our parents. Young people often try to walk, talk, and imitate their parents to perfection. Responsibility lies in the parents' hands to mold their children into law-abiding citizens with good family morals and religious background. Past history shows it very common for young men and women to grow up following the same career choice as their parents. Family businesses were handed down generation after generation. In today's society it has become more difficult for children growing up. Families are broken up, and children no longer have both parents to look up to in their lives. Both men and women are working away from the home leaving kids alone to raise themselves. Who sets the example for them now?
When I was a kid there were childhood heroes from the movies to look up to, such as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger. Each of these individuals stood for truth, loyalty, honesty, and good morals, obeying the law, and fighting against crime. Children wanted to be just like these silver screen heroes and acted out each of their parts dreaming of being the good guy who is a winner. Most television shows portrayed whole families with good honest upbringings. Kids were challenged by peer pressure, yet always seemed to make good decisions in the end. Present day television still challenges our kids, but encourages them to do whatever feels good or makes them happy. Kids no longer are expected to use their imagination; instead they sit in front of a television playing games, patterning their lives from a lifelike cartoon that goes around killing people and disrespecting the laws of our government.
Professional athletes also are admired and placed on a pedestal, honoring them for the unbelievable accomplishments they make. Next to a child's parents, professional athletes may share the greatest responsibility of all as a good role model. Children all over the world look up to sports figures. Kids marvel at the achievements reached by athletes and dream of being just like them. Newspapers are loaded with statistics each time an athlete does something great or one of them gets arrested for drugs or domestic violence. Our media and society then tries to justify what an individual has done even though their actions were morally outrageous. These same individuals rarely face any consequences for their actions, because of who they are and how much money they have. The right amount of money and a good defense attorney can get a criminal off anything, even murder.
I believe each one of us are role models and have a responsibility to the young people in each of our lives. My experiences started at a young age, when I set my dream to become a police officer. You see, my dad was an officer and I wanted to be just like him. My parents taught me right from wrong and to trust in God as I walked through life. John Wayne and Roy Rogers continued my education in life, showing me I always should stand up for what I believe in and never let anyone persuade me otherwise. Finally, six-time world karate champion Chuck Norris taught me I could accomplish anything I desire if I am willing to work hard and discipline myself in all aspects of my life especially my relationship with God. Don't you think it is time we take a stand and make the effort to bring our children role models in whom they can believe in and trust?
