Retounen nan Advanced (Grades 10-12) English (UK) – Conversation

Role Models and Public Influence

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Konvèsasyon

What makes role models and public influence an important subject to discuss?

Bon repons:

Role models matter because public figures can influence people who have never met them. A musician, athlete, scientist or activist may give young people confidence, direction and a sense of what is possible. At the same time, public influence can be misleading, because achievement does not automatically mean wisdom or good character. Someone may be brilliant at their work and still behave irresponsibly in private or online. The issue matters beyond personal taste because society often rewards visibility. If visible people are treated as moral guides, not only skilled performers, their behaviour can shape values as well as admiration. That influence is powerful even when nobody has formally asked for it.

How has this issue changed in recent years?

Bon repons:

The biggest change is that role models are now much closer to their audiences. In the past, people mainly saw public figures through television, radio, newspapers or official interviews. Now they can follow daily posts, livestreams and informal comments. That creates a stronger feeling of personal connection, even when the relationship is one-sided. The consequence is that influence becomes more constant and intimate. A public figure is not only admired for one performance or achievement; they may shape opinions about lifestyle, politics, products and identity. This can inspire people, but it can also blur the line between example and manipulation.

Do you think people usually discuss this issue in a fair way?

Bon repons:

No, because the debate is often one-sided, because people often swing between worship and condemnation. When a public figure is admired, fans may ignore behaviour that they would criticise in anyone else. When a scandal happens, critics may ignore years of good work and treat the person as completely worthless. Both reactions are too simple. A fair discussion should separate achievement, influence and character. It should be possible to recognise a person's talent while still saying that their behaviour matters, especially if that behaviour affects people with less power. Otherwise admiration becomes a way of avoiding responsibility and confusing talent with moral authority.

What would be a sensible way for society to respond?

Bon repons:

A sensible response would be to teach people to admire role models critically. Schools and families can discuss public figures as complex people, not perfect examples. A student might learn from an athlete's discipline, but still question that person's views on health, politics or relationships. The benefit is that admiration becomes more mature and less dependent on blind loyalty. The risk is that young people may become cynical and feel that nobody deserves respect. The aim should not be to destroy role models, but to show that influence should be examined as well as enjoyed. That gives young people admiration without dependence.

How might your view change in the future?

Bon repons:

I would revise my opinion if I saw stronger evidence about how role models actually affect behaviour. I assume influence matters, especially for young people, but it may matter differently from what adults imagine. If research showed that followers mostly enjoy public figures without copying them, I would be less worried about personal behaviour. If research showed that repeated exposure changes attitudes towards violence, consumption, body image or prejudice, I would support stricter responsibility. I would want evidence about real behaviour, not only what people say they admire in surveys or online comments. Admiration is less important than the habits it actually encourages.