1.3 Role Models


We all have many roles in life. Your role right now might be that of a student, a worker, a sister or brother, or a son or daughter. Role is related to the theatre, meaning a part one has to play. A role model is someone who is worthy of imitation, someone who is imitated for behavior or appearance. A role model is inspiring and often successful in a particular field. Our identity is expressed in part by those after whom we want to model ourselves.


In the past, young people tended to model themselves after their parents or other noteworthy people in their communities. Local leaders or inspiring soldiers, sports players, teachers, and politicians have all had important parts in demonstrating admirable qualities for people. Those with strong religious beliefs might think of Jesus or Mohamed as the ultimate role model.

In First Nations societies, elders are highly respected, and their behavior has been an example to follow.

Many First Nations teens have turned to rapper culture for their role models, dressing in the same style of clothing and listening to the same kind of music. Native hip hop artists, such as the Albertan group War Party, have established themselves as a force on the Canadian music scene with songs that call for a change in the status quo. Rapper music is political, and First Nations hip hop is not an exception. Rex Smallboy, the front man for the group, loved the message in the music, and he has been trying to tell the story of his people through rap. "Rap music sparked a fire in me that made me want to look at myself and my history. This is my salvation. This is about who I am, just like everybody else, every other race that wants to feel good about who they are; that's what it was about for me."


As the technology of today increases, and as families become more mobile, young people have increasingly begun to identify with famous celebrities in either their real or fictional characters. With greater access to information, young people often identify with famous people as role models rather than with parents or elders.

Another area where young people look for role models is outside of their own cultures. In Japan, thousands of schoolchildren emulate Anne of Green Gables, the fictional Prince Edward Island schoolgirl. The book was brought to Japan by a missionary; it was translated into Japanese and included in the school curriculum. Hundreds of "Anne" clubs exist in Japan, and today's young people can watch Japanese animations of her adventures.

Complete the role models section of the Assignment 1.3: Factors of Identity chart.