Some people believe that professional athletes serve as positive role models for young people, while others argue that their behaviour both on and off the field, can negative influences. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

 Some people believe that professional athletes serve as positive role models for young people, while others argue that their behaviour both on and off the field, can negative influences. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample essay 1:

Many people think that in contemporary society, young people have ample opportunities to delve into a variety of sports and emulate professional athletes who might serve as positive examples for the younger generation. At the same time, others assert that the inappropriate behaviour of sportsmen can have an adverse effect on teenagers, whether on or off the field.

On the one hand, according to social statistics, there has been an increase in football followers among young generations over the last twenty years. This phenomenon might stem from the idea that adolescents are rethinking their habits and hobbies, shifting their focus from drugs and alcohol to healthy lifestyles. Many professional athletes promote healthy living and true values, such as family love and charity towards low-income and underprivileged people. They do so online, using cutting-edge social media platforms like Meta and YouTube. For instance, Mohamed Salah, a forward for Liverpool, is seen by many fans as an exemplary family man with a modest approach towards supporters, promoting true values and actually living by them.

On the other hand, audiences can witness the undue behaviour of sportsmen both on the field and in daily life. For instance, during football, basketball, or rugby matches, team players might make boorish and narcissistic statements towards referees or opponents without facing punishment. Young people, with their fragile mentality, may strive to copy such behaviour, establishing it as regular and acceptable. Even more dangerous is that many athletes promote false values, such as the acquisition of luxurious possessions like vehicles, yachts, or private jets. These factors cultivate a lack of politeness and a consumerist mindset among young generations.

To summarize, I firmly believe that the majority of professional sportsmen have a negative impact on the formation of values and habits in children due to the visibility of their harmful habits and undue behaviour, both on the field and online. It is crucial for young people to have positive role models, and while some athletes do promote good values, the overall influence can often be detrimental.

Sample essay 2:

In contemporary society, the influence of professional athletes on young people is a subject of significant debate. While many argue that athletes embody positive traits and serve as admirable role models, others contend that their behavior, both on and off the field, can negatively impact impressionable youths. This essay will discuss both perspectives and present my opinion on the matter.

On the one hand, professional athletes often embody qualities such as dedication, perseverance, and excellence, which are highly inspirational for young people. For instance, athletes like Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo are renowned not only for their exceptional skills but also for their work ethic and resilience in the face of adversity. Serena Williams' journey to becoming one of the greatest tennis players of all time, despite numerous setbacks, serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo's rigorous training regimen and commitment to fitness have set a benchmark for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Moreover, many athletes engage in philanthropic activities, promoting values of generosity and social responsibility. LeBron James, for example, has invested significantly in his community by establishing the LeBron James Family Foundation and opening the "I PROMISE School" for at-risk children in Akron, Ohio. Such actions demonstrate a commitment to giving back to society and using one's platform for the greater good, which can inspire young people to adopt similar values.

However, it is also important to acknowledge the potential negative influence of some athletes. Instances of inappropriate behavior, such as substance abuse, aggressive conduct, and reckless lifestyles, can have a detrimental effect on young fans. For example, the scandal involving cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his Tour de France titles due to doping, highlighted the darker side of competitive sports. Such incidents can lead to disillusionment and may even encourage impressionable youths to emulate these negative behaviors, believing them to be part and parcel of athletic success.

Additionally, the culture of materialism and excess often associated with professional athletes can send misleading messages to young people. Athletes who flaunt their wealth through luxurious possessions and extravagant lifestyles can inadvertently promote a consumerist mindset. For instance, the social media presence of many athletes, showcasing expensive cars, lavish vacations, and high-end fashion, can create unrealistic expectations and values among their young followers.

In conclusion, while professional athletes have the potential to serve as positive role models by exemplifying dedication, resilience, and philanthropy, their negative behaviors and the promotion of materialism can also have adverse effects. In my opinion, it is crucial for young people to be discerning in their admiration and for society to promote a balanced view of athletes, celebrating their achievements while critically assessing their shortcomings. This balanced perspective will enable young people to draw inspiration from the positive aspects of athletes' lives while remaining aware of the potential pitfalls.

Sample essay 3:

The debate surrounding athletes' behavior on and off the field ignites varied perspectives. While a significant portion of the population contends that modern professional athletes are not ideal role models for adolescents, others argue that contemporary sports figures have made considerable strides in moral and ethical standards compared to previous generations. I firmly align with the latter view, emphasizing the transformed face of the sports industry, which has become significantly more relevant to the modern generation.

On the one hand, the previous generation of athletes often exhibited disregard for their image and engaged in obnoxious behavior both on and off the field. This phenomenon not only encouraged young people to imitate the behavior of their idols but also led to the creation of street movements characterized by cruelty and rebellion. For instance, the aggression of fan movements associated with English football clubs was often influenced by the actions and statements of football players, a trend vividly depicted in the film "Green Street." Such behavior was expected to perpetuate negative influences; however, it did not prevail.

On the other hand, with the advent of globalization, the world of sports has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Due to substantial investments, it has evolved into an industry emphasizing patience, tolerance, and safety both on and off the field. Moreover, modern athletes have become entrepreneurs with global business ventures, philanthropists, and leaders within their communities. For example, despite not running for office, Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool winger, achieved second place in the Egyptian presidential election solely because people wrote his name on the ballots. In the contemporary world, the media industry surrounding athletes contributes to their image as positive role models for young people.

To recapitulate, the sports industry has matured into a more socially responsible realm, producing athletes who are not only champions in their fields but also social leaders and philanthropists. This positive development reflects a significant shift in the quality of role models, making athletes more responsible and inspirational for the younger generation.