The Pursuing or Identity - Why people should have a conscience while choosing their role models

 

Every person, ever since they were young, has always wanted to become like someone, they are always inspired by someone, like a young kid wanting become an NBA player when he grows up, inspired by Micheal Jordan or a kid wanting to become a scientist, inspired by Einstein or Newton, these famous names that changed the world are Role Models for some people. Human Beings always have had the desire to seek guidance, inspiration, and validation from those whom they admire. It’s a natural instinct to emulate the characteristics and qualities of their role models. In a way, Role Models play an important role in a person’s life, positively or negatively. This is highlighted in two literary works: Maxine Hong Kingston's "The Woman Warrior" and Sherman Alexie's "Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Woodstock."



- Who is your Role Model ? 




In “The Woman Warrior”, Kingston describes her journey of self-discovery as she copes with the influence of her mother and the legendary woman warrior, Fa Mu Lan. Kingston’s desire to become like her role model is fueled by the quest for identity and woman empowerment. She desires to become strong, resilient, and capable of having the courage that Fa Mu Lan possesses. Kingston also wants to break free from the chains of her traditional Chinese femininity. Kingston’s story reflects how her “Role Model”, Fa Mu Lan helped Kingston to accept herself for who she is, as she was inspired to rebel against her own culture that treated her as a slave and a disappointment, it inspired her to have the courage to stand up for herself. Throughout Kingston's life, she tells us that she often imagines herself as the woman warrior in a fictional old China, but this also has a huge effect on her own life. In many ways, without her Role Model, Kingston would have not become the person she is now. Kingston’s role model played an important positive role in her life. On the other hand, Sherman Alexis’s work describes the complexities of hero/role model worship. Alexie’s father considers Jimi Hendrix as a symbol of rebellion and freedom. He feels as if his role model can connect with him and understand him. Jimi Hendrix’s music inspired Alexie’s father to become a war activist in a way or even a philosopher as he considers himself. Alexie’s father’s admiration for his role model might be too much as a mere insult towards Jimi Hendrix by Alexie’s mother had caused a huge stir in the family, causing Alexie’s parents to divorce each other. As Alexie says “This might be the first time a marriage might be broken up by a dead guitar player”. In this scenario, the role model plays a negative role in the dad’s life. 



Overall, I think that every person needs to have a conscience about their Role Model. The saying “ never meet your heroes in real life” can be quite true. Even choosing the right “role model” for yourself might be important, as choosing the wrong one can have drastic consequences in your life, more than you might think. Ted Bundy as a role model would lead a person into a monster while Abraham Lincoln as a role model would change a person into a hero.  


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