I don’t believe in role models–well, let me qualify that. I don’t believe in making role models out of people that I have never met personally. However, I do believe it is ok to adopt a certain action—like compassion for the unfortunate—from someone like Gandhi. But I wouldn’t base my whole life just from some of his words I happened to read on paper. Note on Gandhi: I will say that there are worse people to look up to. If you want to make him your role model, go right on ahead. I won’t complain.

I prefer real life role models because I have a better chance to fully draw upon their experience, rather than try to absorb it secondhand. And I’m better able to sort out what is applicable to my life.

That said, it baffles me why people put pretty celebrities that are all sparkle and no substance on pedestals–then moan and groan when the fallen “idol” doesn’t live up to the idolees’ moral standard. (As if anyone can live up to the scrutiny of millions of prying and adoring eyes. The thought of being observed like that makes me squirm. But that naggling little feeling may be my social anxiety disorder acting up.) Humans will be human and there’s always a little flaw that shouldn’t be emulated. Especially those people in the “entertainment” industry.

Why bother to imitate them? Because they’re pretty? Because they can sing and/or entertain? Parents whine about celebs like Britney Spears or Paris Hilton being poor role models. Well, it’s not really their job to BE role models. They are (marginally defined at best) entertainers. Anyone that aspires to be a beach bottle blonde with big boobs and only a few brain cells–possibly due to the bleach–should really ask themselves if they deserve more.

Our society needs more people to act like Gandhi and less like a Bimbo Bubble, or Macho McCool.