Do pop idols make good role models? You are wobbling on your thin pencil heels under the immense weight of the groceries, as you stumble into the hallway slamming the large oak door shut behind you. You call to your children to help you unload the shopping. You are answered with a blunt yell: "Get lost mum, Eminems latest video is on telly." The primary concern of this essay is to present the influence of pop idols on teenagers. I plan to draw the discussion to a close by posing my own opinion on the subject topic as food for thought. An example of a pop superstar eminent for his violent raps is Marshall Mathers, known as Eminem. Although the multitude of teenagers awe-struck by his music are taken into consideration we must call a spade a spade. Many parents believe he is the cause for teenagers using abusive language. High crime and suicidal rates amongst teenagers, in major capital cities have been connected to the phenomenal rise of him as a pop idol. This is not only harming himself but also threatening the millions of teenagers who are the target of his music. By providing youngsters with anti-social ideas in the disguised form of cool music, he is abusing his power of influence over them. Britney Spears is an excellent example of a pop idol that has managed to maintain constant harmony between her reputation as a pop star and her influence on her teenage audience. In an American talk show Britney acknowledged her parental support during her early years, attributing her success to the encouragement she received during her childhood. She is an excellent example of a pop idol successfully taking responsibility for being a role model for teenagers. This statement can be justified by a couple of sentences declared by her which were aimed at teenage girls who strive to imitate the way she dresses when performing on stage. She took complete responsibility of her minor mistake (which was to dress slightly inappropriately, while fully aware of the influence it would have on teenage girls) and said that she was flattered that girls aspired to take on her image. But added with great emphasis, that her stage image is not a true representation of her character and that it shouldnt be a representation of teenage girls characters either. Her success in being a good role model for youngsters is entirely the result of her stable childhood and the continual parental support of her musical talent. Such qualities possessed by her are reflected in the messages of her songs, the language she uses in her songs, the strategies she uses when dealing with the media and generally her approach to her spectacular fame. Her music is not only enjoyed by all age groups, but more importantly is educating naïve teenagers, in a subtly entertaining way, so that they take responsibility for themselves and work hard at their talents. Although she is a famous singer, she still compliments other pop stars work, which is an essential attribute of such an influential personality. This was shown in a documentary, screened on BBC1 of Madonnas influence on society. Here she talked about Madonnas influence on her own musical career. I have been a huge fan of Madonna since I was a little girl. By complimenting her rivals she displays characteristic qualities of a morally decent person. This is significant to her reputation under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. After writing this essay, I can conclude the influence of pop idols has such widespread effect on society (through the effect of pop idols on teenagers) that it is essential for a pop idol to possess many admirable qualities that their teenage audience can aspire to. In my opinion, a good example of a pop idol that has made an excellent role model is Britney Spears. This is due to her family background, good reputation within the media and her approach to her phenomenal success. A bad example of a pop idol as a role model for teenagers is Eminem. He exhibits destructive qualities; illustrated by the lyrics of his raps, his image in media spotlight, influence of his childhood and details of his current personal affairs. He, as well as other pop idols, have the choice and therefore the potential to use this power of influence to the advantage of society by representing socially and morally acceptable ideas in their music. According to Francis Hutchesons formula, when making a moral choice the right thing to do is that which is likely to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people . Put simply, every pop star has the potential to become a good role model. As they influence the teenagers of today, so they dictate the fate of tomorrows society.