IDOLS AND CELEBRITIES

An ideal person does not exist because every individual has positive and negative traits.

We often speak about heroes (or heroines). They can be

·  important personalities in history who become idols for many generations, such as politicians or artists

·  war heroes who died defending the country, fighting for peace

·  people who have difficult or challenging jobs, such asvolunteers in regions of war or natural catastrophes, rescuers, fire-fighters, soldiers or doctors.

We admire their qualities, such ascourage, talent, energy, charm, sense of homour, etc.

Young people often search for aunique identity. Sports players, rock stars, film and television performers become role models for them. Many stars become idols through publicity in the mass media. Idols are usually well-known in society. They are usually young and always look good and stylish. Young people copy their image and behaviour because they want to resemble them. Reality show stars are “pseudo-idols“, which means they are not real idols. They are admired for no real reasons.

Fictional heroes – heroes from books, films or plays often become idols admired by generations of readers. Some film heroes are handsome, strong and brave, others are violent or possess superhuman characteristics.

Most of us admire people who are not at all famous but are ordinary. Our parents, grandparents, siblings or friends are often idols for us for their love, help, friendship, support and courage.

Virtues /Cnosti (positive human traits): courage (odvaha)

bravery (statočnosť)

diligence (usilovnosť)

honesty (čestnosť)

friendliness (priateľskosť)

faithfulness (vernosť)

righteousness (spravodlivosť)

Vices / Neresti (negative human traits):

anger (hnev)

arrogance (arogancia)

violence (násilie)

impatience (netrpezlivosť)

jealousy (žiarlivosť)

selfishness (sebeckosť)

cheekiness (drzosť)

Questions:

1.  Who are idols?

2.  How do people become famous?

3.  Who are war heroes?

4.  Who are fictional heroes?

5.  Can you name any “pseudo-idols“ known in our country?

6.  What human traits do you admire?