ROLE MODELS AND IDEALS
A) POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE TRAITS
B) A PERSON I ADMIRE
C) WHAT I APPRECIATE ABOUT MYSELF MOST
D) REAL AND FICTIONAL HEROES
E) DEALING WITH DIFICULT SITUATIONS
a) Characterise an idol.
b) What kinds of idols do you have?
c) Why do people have idols?
d) How can people become celebrities? Do you know any?
A hero or heroine is an extraordinary character[1] that represents the most important traits[2]. The hero is usually idealised and often possesses[3] superhuman qualities[4]. On the other hand, we can say that an ideal person does not exist because every individual has both positive and negative traits.
Every country has important personalities in their history who become idols (heroes) for many generations. They often become one of the symbols of the country.
Every society believes in a certain hierarchy of values[5]. Love, health, faith, family and friendship are usually the top values but some people consider[6] money and career as the most important. A similar hierarchy of values is also important for a good relationship.
Our parents and teachers are usually our first models. They teach us to be polite[7] and friendly. We are taught to respect other people and help those people who need our help. When we start going to school we learn to be tolerant, patient, self – disciplined and hard – working. If we want to be successful in our life, these qualities are necessary. At school we also learn how to cooperate[8] with other schoolmates, we share our ideas with them.
During the teenage years young people search for their unique identity[9]. They usually look for people who they can admire[10] and follow[11]. Many sport players, rock stars and film performers become role models[12] for them, because teenagers love music, sport, film and magazines.
Nowadays, idols in popular culture became very popular. They have achieved[13] their popularity through the mass media. They are good – looking and stylish, have their own fashion designers and stylists but their popularity does not usually last[14] a very long time. However, idols have important influence on[15] the younger generation and they often wish to be like their chosen role model.
Except[16] real heroes there are also fictional heroes from books, films and plays. Book characters[17] often become idols that are admired by[18] generations of readers. Film heroes are charismatic and are adored by[19] many viewers. Girls or women like handsome, brave male heroes on the other hand boys or men like attractive female heroes. There are some films in which ordinary[20] people are heroes because they try to overcome obstacles[21] in their lives and change during the film. People can identify with them and understand their life better. Some heroes in science fiction films possess superhuman characteristics that are very attractive especially for children and young people.
People who have difficult jobs such as lifeguards, soldiers, fire-fighters, are heroes for many people because they are brave and do not hesitate[22] to risk their live. Their courage and high moral standards make them excellent role models.
Every year there are people who have saved somebody’s life or did some brave act for example they performed a very difficult surgery[23] or saved people who were injured in a car accident. In our country every year one of these people is awarded for “the bravest act of the year”.
Any of us might be a hero for somebody who respects us for a certainly quality.
Answer these questions:
- What human traits do you consider negative?
- What traits do you admire?
- Why are reality show stars idols for some people? (for example Superstar)
- How could you become hero?
- What professions are considered to be risky?
- Do you know any Slovak hero? Why is he a hero? OR Why was he a hero?
- Choose one person you admire and talk about him/her. Talk about:
a) appearance
b) his/her qualities
c) what makes him/her an idol for you
- Talk about advantages and disadvantages of being famous. Say how a famous person can influence young people. Speak about positive and negative influences
Describe these pictures:
[1] extraordinary character – mimoriadna, neobvyklá osoba
[2] trait – črta, charakter, rys
[3] possess – vlastniť, mať
[4] quality - vlastnosť
[5] hierarchy of values – hierarchia hodnôt
[6] to cnosider - považovať
[7] polite - slušný
[8] to cooperate . spolupracovať
[9] unique identity – jedinečná identita
[10] to admire - obdivovať
[11] follow - nasledovať
[12] role model - vzor
[13] to achieve - dosiahnuť
[14] to last - trvať
[15] to have influence on – mať vplyv na
[16] except - okrem
[17] a book character – postava v knihe
[18] to be admired by – byť obdivovaný niekým
[19] to be adored by – zbožňovaný niekým
[20] ordinary – obyčajný, bežný, všedný
[21] to overcome obstacles – prekonať prekážky
[22] to hesitate - váhať
[23] to perform a surgery - operovať