The Iconoclasts

NIKITA DOVAL / TNN / Mar 24, 2006, 20:54 IST

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GenX needs no icons. As Sachin faces boos at Mumbai, we question whether today’s youth cares much for stars as role models anymore.

GenX needs no icons. As Sachin faces boos at Mumbai, we questions whether today��s youth cares much for stars as role models anymore.
Sachin Tendulkar is booed on his home ground, Sania Mirza slips to number 45 in WTA rankings, actors are far too busy getting involved in scrapes or dancing at weddings while politicians do not even make it to the consideration stage.
So, is it any wonder then that when it comes to role models, the present generation prefers to look at people around them rather than outside. "We are really not influenced by anyone when it comes to making the big decision of our life.
There are very few people in the public sphere, be it a sportsman or a performer, whom you want to emulate. And when it comes to being inspired by tales of hard work and perseverance, there are enough examples amongst your friends and family to look up to," says Gaurika Anand, a class XIIth student from Mater Dei.

GenXers today like to pinpoint different qualities in different people that inspire them rather than look for all of them in one person.
"It is not humanely possible for you to be inspired by one single person until and unless you want to follow in their footsteps. But then again, why be a copy of someone? Be a trailblazer in your own right," feels Rumina Mallik, Anand��s classmate.
Consistency in what they do and a passion for it are the twin factors that make a youngster look up to a role model. But this, students feel, is lacking today.

"Every year, there is someone who is lauded, praised to the skies only to fail to live up to expectations after that. How can you look up to someone who cannot even be consistent for a year?"
Rajeev Sarkar, a third year Hindu College student, wants to know. His mantra in life? "Do your own thing, believe in yourself and don't look outside for inspiration." After all, who wants a hero who fails more than he succeeds.
Some like Poshak Aggarwal, a class Xth student of DPS, RK Puram, feel that role models are needed, especially in the public sphere because they "motivate you. You want to admire someone and believe that inspite of hardships and ups and downs in life, one can make it."
But idols, Anuj Madan, a Ramjas student feels, can be made only if they preserve their mystique. "How can I look up to superstars and wish to emulate them if I see them peddling everything from oil to chawanprash? There is no aura around them, sure they are successful but then again, so are other people."
It is not unusual, says psychologist Jitendra Nagpal, for disenchantment to set in when public figures spread themselves thin endorsing products and making appearances everywhere. "Youth needs role models who are in a field for the love of it and not any other reason," Nagpal says.

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