NOW apparently this is big news... but is it really?
If any other 23 year old had been pictured smoking from a bong, I don't think too many people would have even batted an eyelid. But Michael Phelps is no ordinary twenty-something after winning a total of 14 Olympic gold medals in his lifetime (6 in Athens and 8 in Beijing). See the thing is, when you catapult yourself into the sports history books, whether you like it or not you also catapult yourself into the club called "Role Models".
I found 2 definitions online for the phrase 'role model'...
"A person who serves as a model in a particular behavioural or social role for another person to emulate." - american heritage dictionary
"A person regarded by others, especially younger people, as a good example to follow." - collins essential dictionary
I'm sure there are quite a few parents out there that now don't consider Phelps a good person for their kids to follow (not in this instance anyway). But I think the true question is...
Should great athletes be automatically entered into the "Role Model" club... Role Model until proven guilty - Hero until proven human? OR should we also be trying to recognise and include other people who do great things in society like teachers, judges, parents, police officers, etc., and make them role models too? Or both?
I guess it's pretty hard to convince kids that these people are just as important without the cameras flashing and the media interviews.
So is Phelps still a hero? And is that Right or Bong?
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Right or wrong, Phelps is an example of someone who made a mistake that will impact him for the rest of his life. Smoking a bong will be spoken right next to winning Olympic gold. What's worse is that his opportunity to cash in as a non-revenue athlete, has basically been shot. What company besides Speedo will want their name next to his picture? Coke, Pepsi, Say-No-To-Drugs, McGruff, Nike...... I don't think so. And once your name is associated with this you can't change it. He had the world at his hands, and he caused major damage to his marketability.
ReplyDeletePhelps is no different in stature than any other 23 year old walking the street, but he worked hard to reach the pinnacle of his sport. It's a shame this one incident will hurt his image, but at the same time this is the price the great ones are held to. It's the reason they are paid such high salaries, and with the toke of a bong it can go up in smoke.....
They Just looking to get there 15 sec of Fame by put Some star down. doing that just make them a mark person. but stuff like this just make super stars look at there fans as the bad people every day.
ReplyDeleteSo true Rich K, such a shame. i guess like the friend that sent in the pic, his good reputation is a thing of the past. i wonder how forgiving the media and public will be. only time will tell.
ReplyDeleteFrankly,He's a boy and boys (immature young men) do things they will regret... Our culture doesn't support responsible behavior. Everyone wants it no one wants to be.. There are always consequences to all actions good and bad.
ReplyDeleteIn private his mom will say "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING"....He will be fine just a little less fun money inthe pocket....
So tru trackMom! because even Big Boys as in ADULT MEN do immature things so a youngn doesnt stand a chance. Well i hope he gets it together. Between him and Chris Brown the fellas are in need of some major crisis management!!!
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