Alternate role models

BY NIKKI CUPPS

With celebrities being a common topic among teenagers, it is very logical that they would serve as the “heroes” for the younger generation. In a culture ruled by social media, celebrities are at the top of that hierarchy and often use the power of social media to take their fame to new levels. Many celebrities are making poor choices and trying to convince their followers that nothing wrong has been done, which results in fans cheering on their favorite celebrities in their worst—and most inappropriate—times. Students, especially at Western Dubuque High School, should not look up to negatively influential celebrities and instead let a teacher inspire and influence them.

Instead of letting Lady Gaga, who dons outfits made out of oddly miscellaneous items such as raw meat, be your role model, maybe look up to Liza Walke-Pollitt, who teaches her students to always be safe and clean in the kitchen and to always cook meat all the way through before eating it.

Instead of Justin Bieber, who uses illegal substances, drives drunk with a suspended license, eggs neighbors’ houses and defaces property in foreign countries, consider Ken Kurt, who is a devoted English teacher, has two daughters and would karate chop Bieber’s neck if the two were ever to meet.

Don’t let Miley Cyrus, who prances around half naked, participates in the improper use of construction equipment and uses foam fingers for vulgar activities, influence you. Just look up to Breanna Lukes, who has a stable family, was in show choir in high school and is a successful English teacher.

Kanye West is a very pretentious, pompous person. His sense of conceit and arrogance fills up what he lacks in talent. Although Ben Ressler does not have a celebrity status, the art, yearbook and photography teacher is talented and has compassion toward his students. His friendliness makes him a much better role model than Kanye.