LeBron James is a hero because he overcame an unstable childhood and unstable role models while still achieving every goal of his and becoming a stable role model. An example of this success is James overcoming an unstable childhood. "Gloria was determined to remain in school for her diploma, but the only way she and her youngster could survive financially was for her mother, Freda, to house them." Although he loved his mother and was happy for her that she got her diploma, she couldn't escape the fact that he had no real role model, was extremely poor, and had to miss a lot of school for various reasons. While this shows the James family determination that LeBron James obviously inherited, LeBron's upbringing was extremely difficult. Luckily he had his mother's determination, because he would have never overcome his childhood without it. This great example is followed by another equally great one. "The most stable male influence in the athlete's life as a child was Gloria James's boyfriend, Eddie Jackson, who James sometimes refers to as his father." This was James's only real father figure ever, and he had been a good one when not in jail for crimes. Because of that, he was not really a role model. Throughout all of his adversities in his childhood, LeBron James showed the world that he is a hero because he overcame all of it and is diligently being a stable role model.
LeBron James never had a stable role model, never had a father, and never had any continuity yet he shows all the characteristics of a role model that you should look up to with perseverance every day. "James, who had a 3.0 grade point average on a scale of 4.0, embraced the idea of being a role model from an early age. Even as a 17-year-old he understood that some kids would look up to him regardless of what other adults or athletes advised." James, at only 17, was still a boy who never had a good role model and never had any stability in his life. Somehow, he gathered together the maturity to understand he could do anything and still be a role model. He is mature enough to understand that he can't make bad decisions because it's not just about him; it's about all of the kids that look up to him also. "At just 17 years old, James was quickly becoming a national celebrity." As a teenager who still wishes for youthfulness and having fun, he realized that would come behind two things; basketball and being a role model. He couldn't allow himself to make mistakes or goof off when the whole nation would follow his example. LeBron James became a man with little to no help, and utilizes all of the skills a good role model has even though he was never taught how.
LeBron James is my hero because he overcame an unstable childhood with unstable role models, is a steady role model while never having one, and is an inspiration through his dedication to success. He has been an inspiration to those that grow up in the ghetto and everyone who wishes to better their life. He is the perfect role model and strives to be an even better role model every day.
Works Cited "LeBron James." Newsmakers. Vol. 3. Detroit: Gale, 2007. Biography In Context. Web. 9 May 2013 "LeBron James." Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 78. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Biography In Context. Web. 9 May 2013. "LeBron James." Contemporary Authors Online. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Biography In Context. Web. 9 May 2013. "LeBron James." Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 46. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Biography In Context. Web. 9 May 2013. LeBron James A Biography "LeBron James." Newsmakers. Vol. 3. Detroit: Gale, 2007. Student Resources In Context. Web. 10 May 2013.
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Last edited 5/23/2013 12:00:00 AM