We Don’t Need More Role Models: Society takes on a certain set of individuals who have gone through exceptional challenges and labels them as role models. But has this term become overused? It has become a mask for our society’s crumbling systems, rather than inspiring others. Does this narrative shift responsibility from broken structures onto individuals, creating a culture where overcoming obstacles is normalised instead of dismantling them?
Headlines often exploit tales of diligent individuals who, despite facing hardship, achieve prosperity. I’m sure we’ve all read something along the lines of “Student living in poverty ends
Society takes on a certain set of individuals who have gone through exceptional challenges and labels them as role models. But has this term become overused? It has become a mask for our society’s crumbling systems, rather than inspiring others. Does this narrative shift responsibility from broken structures onto individuals, creating a culture where overcoming obstacles is normalised instead of dismantling them?
Headlines often exploit tales of diligent individuals who, despite facing hardship, achieve prosperity. I’m sure we’ve all read something along the lines of “Student living in poverty ends up going to the Ivy League” or “Single mom works her way up the corporate ladder and gets the title of CEO”. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but admiration for these people, and they greatly showcase strength and resilience. But with these headlines constantly repeating in magazines, articles, and social media, a pattern can be derived: a pattern showcasing the faults in the systems we are surrounded by.
Rather than repeating these headlines over and over again, why not address the gender pay gap between men and women? Why not set a minimum wage rate? Why not make education laws stronger? Inspiration on one side, but if we read between the lines, the ideas of role models are just a cover-up to prove how broken and distraught the systems we are surrounded by are. The harsher reality is that, for every individual who succeeds, there are thousands who fail — not due to a lack of talent or drive, but because the system is stacked against them. Systems of education, healthcare, housing, and employment often privilege some while quietly punishing others.
Role model culture feeds into the myth of meritocracy — the belief that hard work alone is enough to guarantee success. But life isn’t fair, and opportunity isn’t equal. Generational wealth, access to quality education, social networks, and even safe neighbourhoods create invisible starting lines. Some individuals consistently receive benefits, while others must endure hardships to reach the beginning. Celebrating one person out of a million doesn’t prove anything; it just shows that some people get lucky while others don’t. This system tends to give a false sense of hope, which only leads to a lifetime of disappointment.
Looking at this topic from another perspective, the tag of “role models” just puts unnecessary pressure on people purely trying to do their best; they believe that they have to portray this perfect image to society, and pretending can be the biggest fault in our system. People start idolizing this heroic individual while not understanding how many strings are attached. Focusing on exceptional individuals creates an unrealistic standard, implying that one must be extraordinary to be worthy of basic dignity and opportunities. A functional society shouldn’t require heroics for someone to escape poverty, get quality healthcare, or be paid fairly at work. Systems should make it possible for ordinary people to live safe, dignified, and fulfilling lives.
I don’t think we should stop celebrating people who rise above extraordinary challenges. Their achievements are exceptional, and they deserve to be respected and honoured. Role models are important individuals; they can help expand our imagination and show us what’s possible. But their stories should inspire us to build better systems, not excuse us from doing so. Without systemic support, their lives become isolated miracles, not roadmaps for societal change. Role models offer us hope and motivation, something to inspire us, but systems are supposed to be concrete; they’re supposed to work in our favour. Just because a couple of people were able to rise above our system, it doesn’t mean everyone should be expected to.
p going to the Ivy League” or “Single mom works her way up the corporate ladder and gets the title of CEO”. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but admiration for these people, and they greatly showcase strength and resilience. But with these headlines constantly repeating in magazines, articles, and social media, a pattern can be derived: a pattern showcasing the faults in the systems we are surrounded by. Rather than repeating these headlines over and over again, why not address the gender pay gap between men and women?
Why not set a minimum wage rate? Why not make education laws stronger? Inspiration on one side, but if we read between the lines, the ideas of role models are just a cover-up to prove how broken and distraught the systems we are surrounded by are. The harsher reality is that, for every individual who succeeds, there are thousands who fail — not due to a lack of talent or drive, but because the system is stacked against them. Systems of education, healthcare, housing, and employment often privilege some while quietly punishing others.
Role model culture feeds into the myth of meritocracy — the belief that hard work alone is enough to guarantee success. But life isn’t fair, and opportunity isn’t equal. Generational wealth, access to quality education, social networks, and even safe neighbourhoods create invisible starting lines. Some individuals consistently receive benefits, while others must endure hardships to reach the beginning. Celebrating one person out of a million doesn’t prove anything; it just shows that some people get lucky while others don’t. This system tends to give a false sense of hope, which only leads to a lifetime of disappointment. Looking at this topic from another perspective, the tag of “role models” just puts unnecessary pressure on people purely trying to do their best; they believe that they have to portray this perfect image to society, and pretending can be the biggest fault in our system. People start idolizing this heroic individual while not understanding how many strings are attached. Focusing on exceptional individuals creates an unrealistic standard, implying that one must be extraordinary to be worthy of basic dignity and opportunities. A functional society shouldn’t require heroics for someone to escape poverty, get quality healthcare, or be paid fairly at work. Systems should make it possible for ordinary people to live safe, dignified, and fulfilling lives.
I don’t think we should stop celebrating people who rise above extraordinary challenges. Their achievements are exceptional, and they deserve to be respected and honoured. Role models are important individuals; they can help expand our imagination and show us what’s possible. But their stories should inspire us to build better systems, not excuse us from doing so. Without systemic support, their lives become isolated miracles, not roadmaps for societal change. Role models offer us hope and motivation, something to inspire us, but systems are supposed to be concrete; they’re supposed to work in our favour. Just because a couple of people were able to rise above our system, it doesn’t mean everyone should be expected to.