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Scientists make better role models than sportsmen

06 Jun 12:20am

Filed under: Australian Of The Year, Chris O Brien, Science, Sport

What makes a person a role model? Generally – and unfortunately – in this country it’s nothing more than the widely-held belief that they are one.

It’s got nothing to do with their tangible contribution to society and the greater good, rather the emergence of an unusual consensus that they hold a position of leadership purely because they’re in the public eye.

In the past 36 hours Australia has seen the departure of two public figures – one of whom destroyed his career through his own farcical irresponsibility, the other of whom lost his life to tragic illness.

Continue reading "Scientists make better role models than sportsmen" »

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Tom Alister says:

11:16am | 08/06/09

Who we hold up as heroes is going to change just because we swing the the media spotlight in a different direction. Coverage reflects the interest of the audience. The guy in front of the plasma with a tinnie in his hand has a smaller version of himself sitting next… Read more »
Marilyn Shepherd says:

01:25am | 08/06/09

Anyone old to enough to remember the antics of Ilie Nastase and John McEnroe would know that you cant’ go having sportspeople as role models. Or Scott Miller, or the swimmer who smashed up Simon Cowleys face. I think role models should be people who really contribute to the greater… Read more »

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