Member-only story
All our role models have vanished.
Or is it a sign of the times?
If I were to ask 100 people who the role models of the 20th century were, I’m sure their lists would be fairly similar. A few come to mind fairly easily, and most of them don’t cause us to cringe slightly when we think of them.
Fast forward to now. Sure, the 21st century is only a fifth of its way through, but who are the role models? Who does your average teenager or young person look up to and aspire to be? Again, maybe a few names are flowing through your head, but this time, I want to know how many you are comfortable with naming.
In 80 years time, we’ll be able to draw up a definitive list, but that’s not the problem. The issues is that the old role models have gone, and are in some cases forgotten by today’s younger generation. Ask a teenager who Mandela or Gandhi were, and if they don’t know that answer, ask them if they have heard of Einstein. You might be surprised by their response.
They could return the favour, and ask you if you know PewdyPie, Kylie Jenner or Wiz Kalifa. How well would you do?
The difference between the two sets is what makes you think. The old generation well-known due to their active role in shaping today’s society in terms of science and equal rights. The new generation well-known because of their abilities when it comes…
