'It is important to have a father figure to look up to'

Dubai: Ask a young person whom they admire and they are more likely to respond Paris Hilton, David Beckham or Britney Spears, than Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela or Helen Keller.

With more young people looking towards popular culture for inspiration, the face of the traditional ‘role model' is changing, from respected figures or someone who might exhibit positive behaviour, to celebrities. However, while celebrities might be idolised by some children today, parental figures have not been disregarded.

Like many girls her age, 15-year-old student Jessica Milford says she admires Paris Hilton “because of the way she looks.''

“I think of someone like Paris Hilton as a role model because of the way she dresses,'' she told Gulf News. “I also like that she is successful and has a lot of money.''

However, unlike some of her peers, Milford does not identify with her personality, because “she does and says stupid things.'' Milford also names a friend a couple of years older than her as a role model, because she “looks out for me and listens to me whenever I need to talk.''

Admire

Shaun Amar, 17, from Lebanon, also says he has what he describes as a “dream'' role model and a more realistic version.

“To me a role model is someone you look up to and aspire to be like. Realistically, I look up to my father who is a businessman and I know that I am going to follow in his footsteps,'' he told Gulf News.

On the other hand, sports fanatic Amar's role model is Brazilian Real Madrid footballer Robinho.

“Robinho is really influential and only a few years older than me, so I really admire him. To be that good and so young, you have to be really dedicated and amazing at what you do. I admire him for doing something he loves and doing it well — it's not about the money.''

Likewise, 14-year-old British student Charlie believes having a role model is important, particularly “father figures.''

“I've seen kids without fathers or father figures grow up without any direction in life,'' he said.

Charlie looks up to his older brother and cousin, who is a well known DJ in the UK.

“Unlike other celebrities, my cousin worked his way up and had to struggle. I can appreciate that and would like to be like that one day,'' he said.