Athletes as Role Models and Popular Culture - Annotated Bibliography Example

The paper "Athletes as Role Models and Popular Culture" is a perfect example of an annotated bibliography on culture. Brennan, K. Why Athletes Make Good Role Models. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Vol.14 (No.3), pp.45-55.The article proposes the view that athletes can only act as role models in their capacity as “athletes” and no more. Most athletes are endowed with very critical virtues which are very important and should be emulated by children. Such virtues as perseverance and diligence are often seen in most athletes.

Most athletes normally rise to their positions of fame out of their unrelenting effort in their endeavors. The article, therefore, puts forward the view that specific aspects in the lives of employees are worth emulating while certain aspects should never be emulated. This is out of the fact that most of the characters exhibited in some of these athletes only serve to spoil the character of the childrenGilliam, A. (2012). Pro athletes as role models. The Open Sports Sciences Journal, Vol.1 (No.2), pp.12.

In the article, it is realized that for athletes to succeed in their careers, they must always demonstrate some qualities which inspire young people to act and become like them. It is further realized that the qualities that make good and successful athletes are far different from those virtues that enable them to become role models in society. It is out of this sense that athletes need a sense of grooming before they can eventually become role models to the children. The mere fact that somebody succeeds in the game does not automatically make them a good role model.

The article, therefore, stresses upon the society to always consider these imperative facts before encouraging the young people to be inspired by some of the athletes. Hahn, K. L. (2010). Are athletes good role models? Detroit: Greenhaven Press.The article stresses the fact that history is awash with several instances where athletes have always acted in contrary to the social norms that define a society. Such misconduct has always been realized even in very successful athletes. Therefore, the idea of athletes acting as role models for children is not a uniform factor that should be applicable to most of these sportsmen.

It basically boils down to the consideration of all the imperative factors that define human conduct and behavior so that children are only made to emulate those people who can have a positive impact on their lives. It should never be expected that success in athletics is a demonstration of diligence and perseverance in the sport. In most cases, it is a matter of individual talent which is basically subject to the very limitations that define humanity. Prettyman, S. S., & Lampman, B. (2006).

Learning culture through sports: exploring the role of sports in society. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education.Athletes are required to stay fit and in proper physical condition. Most athletes are normally very healthy given that such proper health is imperative for better performance. In that regard, in terms of nutrition and exercise, athletes can act as very good role models for children and other people wishing to live healthy lives. Further, the game of athletics requires a lot of determination and perseverance.

Such qualities are very imperative in all respects of life and are therefore appropriate if emulated by other people. Children can greatly benefit in case they aspire to acquire such important qualities. Seiler, S. (2011). A Brief History of Endurance Testing in Athletes. Sports Science, Vol.11 (No.2), pp.78-89.The author asserts that athletics like any other sports in the contemporary world requires a high amount of discipline. In order to succeed, the athletes are normally required to diligently dedicate their time and should practice on a daily basis.

In any case, the fundamental concern in this regard is the view that ethical conduct becomes quite necessary in order to succeed. Children should learn about the concept of ethics from an early age. Emulating the athlete’s ethics in this regard can effectively help the children to learn about some of the most important values in life. In the same way, confidence is a very important aspect normally realized in many athletes. Such confidence becomes important in shaping the character of young kids who learn how to face life.

In this view, athletes are seen as role models who should be emulated. Torr, J. D. (2005). Sports and athletes: opposing viewpoints. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.The article chastises the media on playing a big role in terms of misleading people and especially young children regarding the true picture of athletes. In most cases, the organization uses some of these people in advertisements and the media has made children believe that most of these athletes are automatically role models for children.

In this regard, the fundamental concern that guides the children is the concept of an image portrayed by the media which relays athletes as very successful people who lead very impressive lives and should, therefore, be emulated. The major focus should, therefore, be geared towards giving all the facts in relation to the conduct of athletes and encouraging the children to effectively learn only the important aspects that can be useful to them. This has normally been a challenge in most cases and it has always been realized that many children have been misleading and made to subscribe to irrelevant ideas.

Watkins, C. (2009). Sports and athletes. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.Here, it is seen that most athletes normally realize their talents at an early age. In most cases, these people begin earning big money from such early age and are therefore pampered and worshipped by children and other people. In this regard, such people are never good role models owing to the kind of experience they undergo. The experience clearly affects their lives and in most cases, such athletes become very irresponsible.

Such people can never be good role models for young children.