Real Role Models - Why Derrick Rose Is No Role Model

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Declan Fay Real Role Models In his article “Derrick Rose is no role model” author Mark Yost makes the claim that NBA superstar Derrick Rose should not be a role model in today’s society for a number of reasons. His three main arguments against idolizing Rose are that it gives children a false promise that they can grow up to be like him, it hints that they should sacrifice academics for athletic achievements, and that since Rose is a cheated and was not punished for his actions, children may be able to do as he did and not suffer any repercussions. With the current lack of moral values in society today, it is hard to see how one cannot be in strong agreement with Yost’s idea that Rose should not be venerated. While many professional athletes have reached an almost superhero status in Western culture, we need to reassess our values as a country, placing ‘role model’ status only on those truly worthy of such a title. The first main argument provided by Yost is the false promise that comes from idolizing someone like Derrick Rose, especially to those in economically challenged neighborhoods like Englewood, Chicago, where Rose comes from. The statistics alone are staggering, with “all of the kids in America who play high school basketball, about 3 percent end up getting college scholarships. Of that sliver, about 2 percent ever have a meaningful NBA career” (Yost 56). Basketball can be equally fun as both a participant and a spectator, and watching someone like Derrick Rose play at the United Center can be almost life changing. There are few that can argue against the electricity that comes with someone of Rose’s skill level and energy sinking a clutch basket to give the home team a late lead against a rival opponent. However, the line must be drawn clearly in the sand and children must be aware that the possibility of one day achieving the same level of skill

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