Every generation needs a role model or two–whether they be fictional or real. There’s heroic John Wayne and Indiana Jones, the kind-hearted Mother Theresea, and also the revolutionary Ruth Bader Ginsberg; however, one could argue there are waves of negative influences that seem to outnumber role models these days, and quite frankly, I think the general population overlooks video games as a potential source for positive role models.

I remember when Rhianna proclaimed she didn’t want to be a role model when I was growing up. While she is free to behave as she wants, it hurts to see someone with so much power and influence essentially give the middle finger to the female youth. She shirked off the responsibilities of an adult that commands world-wide attention–just because she said she didn’t want to be a role model doesn’t mean an entire generation still didn’t look up to her.

“See, people … they want me to be a role model just because of the life I lead. The things I say in my songs, they expect it of me, and [being a role model] became more of my job than I wanted it to be. But no, I just want to make music. That’s it.”

-Rhianna

Now that I’m a parent, I’m looking around for their role models, and most seem to surround YouTubers like Unspeakable and Mr. Beast. While their content is entertaining and innocent enough, it bothers me since there is a lot of focus on money, showboating, and primitive entertainment. Thousands of dollars and living the life most kids will never see isn’t really the best vision to set with impressionable kids. Like Rhianna–great entertainment, and they do great things, but they aren’t the role models our future needs (so don’t come at me for Unspeakable and Mr. Beast, okay?).

Other than that, who else do we have? We scrape by with the same iterations of superheroes. Most of them have a focus geared toward adults as flawed individuals fighting internal turmoil and trauma. We know that goes over kids’ heads. Who else? Political figures? Let’s not go there. I think video games can provide some role models for our youth.

One of the best examples of a role model in video games is Link from The Legend of Zelda franchise. He is the ultimate hero archetype who accepts his destiny to fight evil. Link is the embodiment of courage and fights for the good of all at any cost. Link does not care about Bugattis or seeking approval from others. He doesn’t shirk responsibilities and parties with too much Lon-Lon milk. He doesn’t walk away from his calling and leave it up to others. No. Link is a wholesome hero where kids and teens can even add their touch to this silent protagonist. In fact, playing as Link almost serves as a means for kids to play out a story and exercise courage and self-worth in a safe, controlled environment.

Another example is Samus Aran from the Metroid series. She is a strong, formidable female protagonist without shoving this fact down your throat. Both young men and women can look up to this fearless warrior.

While her personality isn’t fleshed out in great detail in the Metroid games, its through her actions that reveal her courage and sense of right and wrong. In Metroid Fusion, knowing full well how dangerous the X parasite is to all civilization, she goes against commands from the Federation Army and destroys them in the Biologic Space Laboratories research station.

One more example, and a non-Nintendo one, is Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII. He gives off major angsty-teen vibes, but as he progresses in the story, we see him open up to others close to him. He grows to understand what it means to be a true hero, and that it does not simply mean being the strongest, nor one steeped in fame. And of course, his strong sense of loyalty to his friends, are a trait worth his weight in gold.

There are plenty of characters in video games that are shining role models for today’s youth. Sure, there are plenty of characters and franchises that should stay far from a kid’s reach (looking at you Grand Theft Auto), but you can’t deny that this entertainment medium contains a wealth of positive influences.

I really wish that parents out there can recognize the good in playing as Link, Samus, or Cloud, and leverage these characters to give their children someone to look up to other than some stranger on the internet or a celebrity that doesn’t give a crap. I also hope that creators in the industry continue to craft amazing heroes and heroines for generations to come!

The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, Stephanie Klimov, LeRon Dawkins, and Pat Klein come together with their friends, colleagues, and fellow creators to talk about their week in video games, discuss industry topics, conduct interviews, answer listener questions, and more. New episodes every Monday. Get each episode one week early and more perks over on the Boss Rush Network Patreon page.

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