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Ellen Degeneres as a Role Model?

I think she was serious when she said it. And what's more, I think she believed it. Whatever you think of Ellen Degeneres, I believe her comments have to tell us a little something about where we are as a society. She was recently at the Teen Choice Awards, a wonderful use of two hours. Here's what she said;

"I hope to not only be a comedian, but also to be a role model, because I feel that there are not too many women who are role models to teens, and I am talking about one woman ... Betty White. I would like to impart some wisdom on you: stay in school — I know, it’s hard, to listen to your parents and don’t pierce that."


Ok, let me be honest. I find Ellen humorous. I think she made American Idol bearable. But...a role model? I suppose I should ask, what if she is a good role model? Understand that I know nothing about her except the obvious. She has chosen an alternative lifestyle, to use society's terminology. 'Sinful' is the word I would use. But that's besides the point.

Assuming that being a homosexual is her only flaw, is she less of a role model than someone who lashes out in anger too often? Or compared to someone who loves money too much, is she less responsible?

There aren't enough good female role models in society at large, certainly not any I would point to at the Teen Choice Awards. Being a man, I am not qualified for thsi job. However, I would like to urge young ladies to be careful about who and how they choose someone to follow. Because I think some of the people we choose to follow, popular or not, are not much better than Ellen Degeneres.

What about you? How do you choose who to follow?

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