LETTERS: A role model is a person other people admire to establish certain behaviours and judgments.
Public figures, such as musicians, athletes, actors, politicians and scholars, can be considered as role models.
People might have at least one role model. Youngsters imitate their role models' ways of communicating and their behaviour.
This happens as teenagers are finding their own identities.
Most of us might have watched or read stories about the tarnished images of well-respected personalities.
Proof of their bad behaviours, in the form of videos and voice notes, is viewed by thousands of people around the globe.
There's nothing wrong with having role models. It depends on finding the right kind of person to look up to.
It is also imperative to find a balance between admiring and obsessing about someone.
What kind of person should we respect and admire? We should realise that humans make mistakes, so there is no such thing as a perfect role model.
We should look for a person who grows and has a strong faith. Despite facing many challenges in life, the person strives to be the best version of himself.
Role models can be ordinary people, like neighbours, friends, teachers or parents who, from time to time, go beyond their capacities to provide us with better opportunities.
It is easy to admire a role model's traits. However, the alarming aspect of this is when you become obsessed and want to become that person.
You begin to have unrealistic expectations of your physical appearance and financial state. Without realising it, you distance yourself from family members and friends to succumb to this obsession.
An English writer, Mark Barrowcliffe, said: "An obsession is a way for damaged people to damage themselves more."
Consequently, you have to admire only the person's positive traits. Use the person's success stories to inspire you to pursue your goals.
Role models impact people in many ways. If a person has a good role model, his potential can grow tremendously.
In conclusion, good role models are crucial in our life. By having positive role models, we can obtain guidance in our lives.
Dr Nurizah Md Ngadiran
Senior Lecturer, Centre for Language Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Johor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times