Two sports related things happened this week which got me thinking about this issue of childhood heroes and role models. On Sunday, Ken and I were attending the Timberwolves game (vs. Warriors) and afterwards had a chance to walk nearby Sugar Ray Leonard who was a special guest at the game. Ken, being Ken, kept nudging me to get a photo taken with Mr. Leonard. I was acting sheepish and reluctant but finally gave in and approached Mr. Leonard who was very gracious in letting Ken take a camera phone photo. It was a fun micro-moment. Then, we all heard last night the sad news of former Twins great and hall of famer Kirby Puckett's death from a stroke at the age of 45 years old.
The two closely timed events got me thinking of my childhood and what I loved about these sports legends. For example, I remember following the Twins during their first World Series heyday and admiring Kirby's play at the plate and in the field. He was one of those players whom I would have "drafted" when playing our version of Strat-O-Matic baseball. I also remember growing up watching Leonard fight Hagler, Hearns, and Duran on television with my father and brothers. It was exciting as a kid to see these phenomenal athletes achieve greatness in their own unique ways.
These athletes were my childhood heroes, along with Captain America, John Lennon, and a host of other famous (and imagined) people whose public lives intersected with my mundane childhood. That all said, I never really ever thought of these individuals as my role models. In this respect, I have to agree with the famous quote by former NBA star, Charles Barkley, who said "I am not a role model. . . parents should be role models."
For me, childhood heroes were people whom I didn't know who were known for having done amazing things in amazing times. They rose to a challenge, pushed themselves beyond oftentimes their natural abilities, and achieved some measure of greatness that benefitted others (as well as themselves). They were inspiring. They overcame the odds and came out on top. They proved that hard work and effort, an unwavering belief in oneself, and oftentimes teamwork could prove victorious. They were examples of raw, naked narcissism in its most healthy form. A type of vicarious validation. A living example that we can be special, even if just for a shining moment in time.
But role model? No, I have to agree with Sir Barkley that these superstars are not (and were not) my role models. They are too distal from my personal life. A role model needs to be proximal to my everyday life as a regular guy. A role model is someone who has not necessarily achieved greatness but who has demonstrated time and again that they have the kind of character that matters most in life. They are honest, hard working, kind, giving, truthful, courageous, creative, and purposeful. They persist when most would give up. They encourage when others ignore. They stand up for what is right. A role model is my parents, my older brothers, my high school guidance counselor, my childhood pastor, and the like.
I think kids (and adults) need both heroes and role models. One is not necessarily better than the other, though an argument easily could be made for the latter. They serve different functions in life. The hero gives us hope and something to aspire toward. We all have a little bit of greatness inside that needs to be coaxed out of us. The role model gives us character and honor and integrity that are the essential building blocks of living a productive life.
So, meeting Mr. Leonard and reflecting on the life of Kirby Puckett are reminders to me of what minor greatness I may achieve in my life. At the same time, I think of my dad for what it takes for me to achieve all that I set my sights on.
Posted by richlee at March 7, 2006 09:21 AM