Rolemodels...celebrity or hero?

So I just heard David Letterman make this comment to Paris Hilton: “You live the life others only dream of.” I can honestly say Paris Hilton is not a person who I have ever felt jealous of. Sure she is thin, beautiful, and has money, but does anyone actually know why she is famous? More often than not it seems like she is in the public eye to give everyone fuel for jokes. The girl doesn’t seem to have 2 brain cells to rub together and prides herself on looking pretty everywhere she goes. The woman is actually shocked that girls come on her “BFF Show” to be in the spot light and make money…is that not everything that Paris Hilton stands for? Getting famous for nothing?

Lately I have been wondering why our media gives so much publicity to people that make poor life choices. Let a sex tape leak on the internet? That’s great, everyone is watching it, it’s just one more way for you to become even richer. Have 14 children that you can’t afford to raise? That’s okay you can just ask strangers for money, maybe even get your own television show. Get strung out on drugs and relapse continually? Don’t worry, it’s not really your fault, there are always parents and ex-lovers to blame. Have an affair on your wife? Why not? It will be great for your show ratings.

How can we wonder why teenagers are having babies before they even have their first job or diploma, why they become alcoholics before they are even legal to buy alcohol, why they pass STD’s around like they are candy, and using drugs (both elicit and prescription) as a form of entertainment to relieve boredom. Look at the role models they are being given; Lindsey Lohan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Mary Kate & Ashley Olson, and Speidi. What kind of standards are they being given to live up to?

When will we start recognizing the people that truly deserve it? Ever heard of Cpl. Jason Dunham or Spc. Ross McGinnis? Didn’t think so. Both young men received the Medal of Honor for throwing their bodies on grenades in Iraq to save their brothers fighting beside them. Recognize the names Michael Carlo or Tarel Coleman? Probably not, but they, along with 341 FDNY Firefighters gave their lives in the Twin Tower attacks on 9/11. Do the names Christina Northey or Kate Janis ring a bell? Both women dropped everything and went to China to help rebuild the lives of those devastated by the hurricane in Myanmar.

Everyday we come in to contact with heroes; the doctor, the paramedic, the Soldier, Marine, Airmen, & Sailor, the pastor, the counselor, the cancer survivor, the teacher, the nurse, the firefighter, the police officer, the parent, the grandparent, the foster parent, the mentor. So many worthy people for kids to look up to, but these are the worthy people whose accomplishments go completely unnoticed.