“A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?”
These were the famous words echoed by Charles Barkley in 1993 in response to claims he was not setting a good example for youths. In his prime, Charles Barkley was one of the best rebounders, defenders, and scorers the NBA has ever seen.
However, Barkley was also the NBA’s bad boy. His rap sheet included on-court scuffles, off-court fights, and spitting on little girls. After retiring from the NBA, he added DUI’s and a gambling addiction to this list.
Charles Barkley was an NBA superstar, but not necessarily the man parents wanted their sons to become. Interestingly, Barkley made it clear he was content with being a star basketball player…not a role model. He even hinted at jealousy, issuing these famous words following his “I am not a role model” NIKE commercial:
“I think the media demands that athletes be role models because there’s some jealousy involved.”
While most parents were completely turned off by this statement, these words have a ring of truth to them.
Charles Barkley was paid to be a basketball player, not a role model. While jealousy may not always be a factor, there is truth in the statement that parents should shoulder the responsibility of being role models to their children.
Almost twenty years after dominating the NBA, Sir Charles was reincarnated in the form of Kim Kardashian. “The Round Mound of Rebound” returned as “The Round Mound of Rump.”
Early on, Kim Kardashian was well known for being Paris Hilton’s gal pal and making her way around the socialite circuit. However, her fame skyrocketed after her infamous sex tape leaked in 2007. Four years later, Kim has built a media empire while dominating reality television. Her rise to fame included a graphic sex tape, posing nude for Playboy, and becoming the “door-knob” of the NFL (“everyone gets a turn”). Her most hideous act to date was not only marrying NBA benchwarmer Kris Humphries, but also divorcing him only 72 days later.
The X-Factor’s Chris Rene has been sober longer than 72 days.
Lindsay Lohan hasn’t touched drugs in 72 days.
Okay, the Lohan piece may be a stretch, but the point is that 72 days is not a long time.
Turn on television today, and most talk shows will be bashing Kim Kardashian for being a horrible role model. Turn on the radio, and morning shows will be blasting her for devaluing the sanctity of marriage. Just in time for Halloween, Kim Kardashian has been villainized for becoming a monster masquerading as a role model for girls.
Seriously?
If Kim was smart, she would revert back to 1993 and channel her inner Charles Barkley’s. During her next Skechers commercial, she should stare directly into the camera and announce to the world: “I am not a role model.”
It’s that simple.
Just like Charles Barkley was a NBA star, Kim Kardashian is a reality television star. She is being paid very well to be a reality television star, not a role model. If parents have irresponsibly suggested to their children that Kim Kardashian is a role model, the majority of the blame has to fall on the parents.
Most parents would love for their daughters to grow up as comfortably wealthy and independent women. That’s understandable, but let’s identify role models who become wealthy and independent without having to leak a sex tape.
Kim Kardashian is simply doing what she’s employed to do…entertain, keep her name in your mouth, and get paid.
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