Oye. Oye. Tell all. Latest news? Present-day super heroes may not be good roll models to today's youth.
*pauses looking confused* I'm sorry? Did I really just read that? I mean, you had to do an actual study to determine that fact? Sad, because when I last checked, nothing about Batman's amazing night disguise - ruining cops and property and tearing up the streets without the cop's knowledge - seemed like a commendable idea. Did I enjoy the movie? Absolutely! Would I tell my seventh and eighth grade students to comport themselves in a manner echoing Christian Bale in that movie? Absolutely not! And that's just one example? Need I continue with others?
Well, I don't need to. A recent study has already done it for me. Needless to say, they found that these modern day representations are, in fact, poor role models for today's young (young boys particularly). Maybe their past inspirations were acceptable role models. Maybe they were even exemplary citizens with high morals and righteous actions. Today, though, everything has changed for the thrill, special effects, and the need to keep the viewer unconditionally entertained. Sorry families. Your kids might have other great outlets for moral learning, but don't rely on their latest viewing of Batman or Iron Man to be the guidance needed for a good, strong upbringing. Go back to parenting. Everything works out better that way.
Wow, I've mever thought of that way. Perhaps too much idealism? Lost in a realm of fantasizing? Low self-esteem due to comparisons? Or course those heros might appear to have a negative effect on boys in dysfunctional families, but I believe that their impact on boys in a functional family. In fact, boys who receive proper care would find them motivating.
ReplyDeleteI can see how the angle of "motivating" could work. These super heroes definitely overcome some obstacle in order to obtain the standing of "hero"....and that they usually do have the best interest of others at heart. In those terms, yes, it definitely could be motivating, but I agree, I never thought to look at it from that other angle prior to reading the article. It made some interesting and discussion worthy points.
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