It seems to be getting increasingly nerve-racking making decisions about where to send our kids for camp or whether to even send them at all. It's growing more and more difficult to figure out who we can trust to act responsibly while in close contact with minors. Amid the controversy and scandal that is the Sandusky case, this seems like a pretty good time for reflection on what cases like this say about the (sometimes dangerous) influence that figures of authority in society can have on the young and impressionable.
Sandusky claims that many of the kids he worked with would refer to him as a "father figure". Often when kids are lacking a father figure in their lives they latch onto (emotionally!!) males in their lives who they feel comfortable around, who make them feel special. According to the reports, Sandusky's victims were often from needy backgrounds, stayed at his home, and were bought gifts ranging from snowboards to clothes to NFL tickets. To a child growing up with virtually nothing to call his own, suddenly having access to all these things creates a rapid bond (emotionally!!) between himself and Sandusky. Seeing the fame and fortune that sports stars (seem to) enjoy on television is one thing, but then being immersed into that culture on Sandusky's tab takes the experience to another level. Sandusky had to know what he was doing here, taking kids from a vulnerable place, showering them (pardon the pun) with gifts, and then ultimately taking advantage of them.
Unfortunately, there are countless similar cases going on right now, many that may never see a court room. When we hear about these things, it reminds us just how much influence sports can have on the society in which we live, and how iconic figures in sports can use and abuse that influence for their own gain.
By the way, it seems that "PedoBear" made an appearance at Houston v. Penn State (be sure to check out the comments at the bottom).
I agree with you. Especially that last part on how much influence sports can have on the society in which we live in, and how iconic figures in sports can use and abuse that influence for their own gain. Kids have sports heroes when they grow up. We all had them. And today it seems like players don't care about there actions today. With all the social and tv media that there is we all(including kids) can see what's going on and what these athletes are saying. It seems like professional athletes as a whole don't care anymore about looking up in the stands and seeing some little kid wearing their jersey, all they care about is how many points they are going to score or how many touchdowns they are going to have. I feel like professional sports have gotten to be more about "me" and not about "team" or "fans." Its sad but that's just the way it is.
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