Dennis Rodman, the most controversial basketball player in the
NBA. With his outlandish hair colors, nose ring, and all those tattoos,
is Dennis Rodman a good role model for todays youth?
For some unknown warped reason, today's society judges a person
by his or her appearance. Maybe that's because we see a person
before we know a person. That old saying, "The first impression is
the lasting impression" seems to hold true for society in general.
Then why is Dennis so popular, and loved by so many?
First, let's give Dennis Rodman credit where credit it due. Dennis is
a basketball player legend. He is good. He is better than good. He
is the best rebounder in the NBA, and possibly in the history of
basketball. But did Dennis achieve this by coloring his hair or
wearing tattoos?
Dennis Rodman, raised without a father, became what he is today
by developing his God given talents, through practice, hard work,
and perseverance. He proved himself worthy, and was drafted into
the NBA before he became the "Bad Boy of the NBA." Do you really
believe that Dennis Rodman, good as he is, would have ever been
drafted into the NBA if he had green hair, a nose ring, and a body
covered with tattoos? I really doubt it.
Dennis Rodman proved himself worthy, became an NBA star, and
then, years later, started coloring his hair, added the nose ring, the
tattoos, etc. So, why did Dennis change? Is he revolting? And if so,
against what?
Today's society places rules and restrictions upon everyone,
resulting in a world of look-a-likes and do-a-likes. Today's society
trys to take individuality away from each person. Some people feel
threatened by new ideas and the unknown. Many feel that everyone
should be like they are. Most individuals grow up to be
narrow-minded robots. They do as they are told. They don't want to
"step on toes." They just want to "keep the peace" and won't take
an honest stand on anything.
That's where Dennis Rodman shines. Dennis has insisted on being
an individual, free to make his own choices. He's not a follower; he's
not a leader. He is himself. He is Dennis Rodman.
So, how can Dennis Rodman be a good role model for today's youth?
If the youth of today will take a good look at Dennis Rodman, who
he is and what he is, they should learn this lesson:
Dennis Rodman, raised without a father, through practice, hard
work, and perserverance, became what he is today. The hair color,
nose ring, and tattoos did NOT get him into the NBA. Keep in mind,
todays athlete is also a showman. It's all part of Dennis "the
showman" Rodman.
Dennis Rodman is himself. He doesn't try to be someone else. He
doesn't copy someone else.
What does all of this mean? If YOU want to make something of
yourself, YOU can. Not by copying someone else. Just by being
yourself, developing your God given talents, whatever they may be,
and by hard work and perserverance.
After you prove yourself, and become what you want to be, then you
can decide just how outlandish you want to be. But keep in mind,
today's society will judge you by your appearance. Be yourself, but
don't ruin your chances for success.