In the midst of 24/7 exposure on social media to the horrific mess that is admitted child molester Josh Duggar and his felony coverup parents, I read a variety of tweets under the hashtag #TeamDuggar. Much like reading conservative websites or just about any newspaper online comment section, I recommend not doing so. It was vile. One series from a highschool girl gushed on about how this dysfunctional family are her role models and how she desperately wishes she could be a "Duggar girl". The thought of anyone in that family being a role model sickens me, and after a discussion about it with K1, posted as such on social media. A friend commented "Who did you discuss as proper role models?". Good question! Follow me below the orange cloud of radical cult deprogramming after a word from our sponsor...
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The dictionary defines role model as a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.
In thinking about what constitutes a role model for me, it's generally NOT the latest sports hero or music sensation. Natural talent doesn't make someone a role model; it makes them lucky to have the right set of nature and nurture to afford them success at their designated Thing. No, a role model for me is someone who is/does/embodies one or more of the following:
Sees an injustice or issue and strives in words and deeds to effect positive change.
Believes in making the world a better place than it is now, whether via large or small ways.
Cares about more than just themselves; acts for the benefit of others.
Encourages others to be their best selves.
Thinking about who fit that bill was much harder than I realized. Let me share a few that came to mind, then open the discussion in comments to who and what Role Model means for you.
My ultimate role model is (and this in some ways surprised me) my Mom. She always, ALWAYS put thinking of others above herself, even when doing so cost her financially, emotionally and physically. She was one of the smartest people I knew even though she never attended college, and encouraged her children to reach for the stars and become the best people we could be. She made people smile and enjoy themselves with her presence, and to her dying day demonstrated love, grace and strength.
People who speak truth to power and refuse to stay silent in the face of opposition (many of whom grace these orange pages) are role models for me. Over the years since I joined the site, I've learned that speaking up matters. Seeing the dramatic difference one person can make (I'd name names but then we'd never get to the end of the diary!) and knowing they started out right where I did, means I can do it, too.
This Memorial Day weekend, I'd also like to single out the men and women who believe in serving a purpose greater than themselves and join the military. I may disagree vehemently with decisions but I respect the dedication our service personnel.
And just today I read about Doug Rauch. The former Trader Joes president heads up the nonprofit grocery store Daily Table, which (as the article says) "attempts to solve one food challenge in America (food insecurity) with another (food wastage)". That is exactly what I believe our youth need to emulate- see a problem, find a solution. There are thousands of Doug Rauch's and every one of them deserves to be known. Help me out and do so in the comments, please.
Brillig's ObDisclaimer: The decision to publish each nomination lies with the evening's Diarist and/or Comment Formatter. My evenings at the helm, I try reeeeallllyy hard to publish everything without regard to content. I really do, even when I disagree personally with any given nomination. "TopCommentness" lies in the eyes of the nominator and of you, the reader - I leave the decision to you. I do not publish self-nominations (ie your own comments) and if I ruled the world, we'd all build community, supporting and uplifting instead of tearing our fellow Kossacks down.
Flagged by paradise50, this fine comment from ex DROPKICK listener is a first comment, well worth reading. In Denise Oliver Velez's fine diary, How did you begin to unlearn racism? (Just check the recs!)
Flagged by melo, this comment by Backline tells a subtle truth.
Another first commenter flagged by paradise50, this comment by thewhitewallblog also appeared in Denise's diary, and told an interesting story.
Flagged by David54, this comment by entlord reminds of Frederick Clarkson with its insights! (That is intended to be a high compliment, entlord! I hope you take it that way!)
Flagged by Nebraska68847Dem, this comment by slksfca is pictorial! In side pocket's KTK diary tonight!
From Yasuragi:
Frankly, Denise's diary today should have the entire comment section here. But these stand out to me:
potatohead, 4Freedom, AnacharsisClootz and kishik.
From Denise Oliver Velez:
I am in a quandary. For the first time in my own diary history - there are so many comments in How did you begin to unlearn racism? that qualify for "Top Comments" that I don't know which ones to pick.
There are over 25 that should be stand alone diaries.
I'll pick two: TarHeelDem's and one from a newcomer to Daily Kos - mah621.
From Yours Truly, brillig:
This comment by Eric Stetson led to an excellent followup thread via Cali Scribe. From Sem Dem's In Regards to Conservatives Fierce Defense of Child Rape.
Top Mojo for yesterday, May 23rd, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you
mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary
FAQing Top Mojo.
1) From the story you linked to and quoted . by indycam +98
2) Daddy Duggar's by Kristina40 +88
3) This is sickening. By this logic, if the other by mrsgoo +86
4) A cynic might make the observation by bluestatedon +85
5) Ruh Roh by davidkc +83
6) This is the guy who says the Obama's are bad by theKgirls +81
7) As is so often the case: by CwV +77
8) The Term "Democratic Socialist" is Commonly Used by Gooserock +76
9) She's a conservative ACTIVIST judge. It's what by d3clark +73
9) Irish Equality Minister tweets: by Its the Supreme Court Stupid +73
11) The USGS has a page on by tapu dali +69
11) WOW -- where's the GOP candidates who by Ditch Mitch KY +69
11) don't mind us, Cedwyn ... we have lots of memories by greenbird +69
14) I wonder what made him pick politics by indycam +65
14) They also charged him with "reckless driving". by ExpatGirl +65
16) I only knew Cedwyn by high uintas +64
16) Perhaps if we could "teach" everyone by bobdevo +64
16) I note similar treatment of people having by entlord +64
19) Big Career Move Forward for That Judge nt by Gooserock +63
20) Not only that, by welso +62
20) Isn't it funny that I'm thinking by indycam +62
22) Not sure what it is going to take by gchaucer2 +60
23) Gonna be tough to keep teh gayz by DocDawg +59
23) I too am thrilled the guy survived. Tasers kill by xxdr zombiexx +59
25) And by Its the Supreme Court Stupid +58
26) Interesting by gchaucer2 +57
26) When I saw the video and heard the cops by Lily O Lady +57
26) The root word by jamess +57
29) What a beautiful tribute. by slksfca +56
29) The hypocrisy is just too much sometimes... by gf120581 +56
Top Pictures for yesterday, May 23rd. Click any picture of a cat to be taken to the full comment. Thank you
jotter for the image magic!