I am a Dr. Who fan. I’ve been one since around 14. I remember watching bits and pieces of episodes in the 80’s, but then I started reading some of the books and got into the mythos of the programme that way. This isn’t an entry abut that, but by all means find out more about my interest in The Other Place.
The programme returned to British screens in 2005 and at the end of its first season the lead actor moved on from the character and was replaced by David Tennant who went on to be a huge success in the role. Not long ago, he was reported in the papers for saying something along the lines of actors shouldn’t be role models. Read the article for yourself to get a better picture. What follows is not a critique of what Tennant said as such. There’s what he said, what is reported in the article, what was selected in the article on the article and what I read in what was said in the article that was based on an article that was based on what he said. It doesn’t make sense then addressing him, I’ll just address something inspired by it.
The contention is that if you’re in the public eye there is pressure on you to be perfect and every flaw is magnified and characters are brought low in the light of such a blemish. I agree that the pressure on those in the public eye can be intense and not too flattering. There are those who have an agenda and wait for any slip to crucify someone in print or in video. Now we have the social media there are more avenues and quicker routes to sound off. Sometimes it is brutal and unjust and inhuman.
Yet there is something about being a role model that is implicit in being in the public eye. Whether you’re an actor or a musician, a sportsperson or a politician, an entrepreneur or a notable statesman, if you’re in the view of the public and you’re identified to be gifted at something implicit in that is a responsibility to those who look at you. Why? Well that’s because those who look on at your success may seek t emulate it. You may be the inspiration for someone who had no idea of what they would do, to try out what you excel in. There isn’t a need to be perfect, but there is a standard of human character to maintain so as to reinforce the talent that you have.
Where we get this from, I reckon, is the parent-child model. I know this for real. When I was growing up, the pattern of manhood was set first and foremost by my Dad. When I wondered how it should be I referred to what my Dad said and did, more what he did than what he said. Years later Dad would inform me that he didn’t want me to follow his life and he wanted me to be my own man. That’s fair enough, but when you’re just a piece of clay yet to be shaped and moulded, you are hardly a do-it-yourself deal, so someone has to do some of the shaping. That happens to be the man over you.
The same applies to those in the public eye. In a way, as long as people look at your life and you excel in qualities and characteristics, you are prone to open for others to scrutinise your behaviour. That’s not a bad thing. In as much as you want privacy, life is lived in relationships where people look on. This is why character is so important. Whether that is having a quality character for being a TV star or being a good father. Character remains important, s that the call to be a role model isn’t a chore or a burden, but actually a regular way of life.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 