Saints vs Modern Day Role Models Essay -- Sociology, Leadership

THESIS STATEMENT Saint’s qualities can be viewed as more effective modern role models and leaders than the contemporary media influencing the youth. PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the influence of the with the media today and how saints can be viewed as role models today, which will be supported with books and web sources on the related topics. INTRODUCTION Saint’s qualities can be viewed as more effective modern role models and leaders than the contemporary media influencing the youth. The mass media influences our society today in what many should look up and follow their steps to. They create role models for the youth to base their decisions in life so they follow their role model’s actions. â€Å"Research on violent television and films, video games, and music reveals unequivocal evidence that media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior in both immediate and long-term contexts† says Anderson, (Anderson, The Influence of Media Violence on the Youth). This generation lacks leaders that positively impact the youth into doing virtuous and productive actions. The media should expose role models that demonstration good qualities to influence the individuals into following them. Instead they show bad role models for people to follow or for the youth to look up to. McFarland, author of 21st Century Leadership, states a quality a modern day leader should possess, â€Å"Inspiring words, actions and emotions that propel others to go beyond their preconceived limits† (28). The motives of a successful leader should be genuine and not just for show. Good examples of genuine motives to do good deeds are saints, who fit in the classification of respectable role models to ... ...veryone. Good leaders need courage to show others and direct them in what they believe in. Alexander says, â€Å"Courage is an essential quality in heroism. Heroes have courage to be true to themselves. They are celebrated for their courage, nobility, or exploits†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (3). Contemporary role models seldom offer stability, good choices, and morals unlike historical role models, such as saints that use their abilities to effect positive changes. According to theologian Lawrence Cunningham states, â€Å"Saints show the possibility of a heroic life, even today† (43). Instead of following the footsteps of the usual celebrities advertised by the media, looking back at the actions of saints’ show a more positive influence for the youth today. People should base their choices on good examples seen in righteous models who have a vision and show their beliefs through their actions.