My Role Models
September 28th, 2009 | 
Author: I recently listened to an interview on Sirius Radio between two of my favorite people on earth. It’s a real treat to see one of them in action, but to have both of them in one room having a conversation is very exciting for me.
 Howard Stern |
 Michael Moore |
I love both of them for the same reasons:
1. They are completely fearless
2. They stand up for what they believe in
3. They’re successful and well known for challenging the status quo
I minored in film in college and first learned about Michael Moore when I was required to watch Roger & Me during a film lab. It was the only film I actually stayed awake for that whole semester. He has an amazing gift for telling stories. He could make a three hour movie about how much a tree grows over the course of a year seem fascinating. I love the fact that he surfaces the real issues, confronts the people who are guilty, and leaves you with something to think about.
When he was on the Howard Stern show, he was accompanied by a team of bodyguards. These guys were hired by his production studio to follow him around every time he went out in public. It’s amazing to me that a documentary filmmaker needs to have a team of people protecting his safety every day. Why is that?
Howard Stern doesn’t have the same level of security, but is probably hated by the same amount of people. He’s good at talking about interesting topics and saying what’s on his mind. He doesn’t read off a sheet of paper and ask the same questions we’ve heard a million times. He spent more of his career getting fired than being what the world defines as successful, and what has he received for that? A multi-million dollar contract with Sirius radio. Why? Because he has loyal fans and he is a strong leader for doing what you believe in. It has also earned him a lot of skeptics and people who don’t believe in what he does. That’s the trade off I suppose.
Whenever you do something different to stand out, you will get people who object and disagree. That’s the fun part.
If you’re only doing what everyone around you wants you to do, are you living the best life you possibly can? When I start to feel like I’m not doing what’s in my heart, I think of my role models and how they have fought, and continue to fight for what they believe in.
Both Stern and Moore have been described as “love ‘em or hate ‘em” and I’ve decided I’d like to be described the same way. I would never want to be thought of as “okay” or “boring”….I want to have strong supporters, and people who don’t get me at all. It’s more fun that way.
Who are your role models? What have they done to make you believe in them? What traits do you categorize as admirable?
Check out Michael Moore’s new film Capitalism: A Love Story here
Posted in My Blog
I agree that these two can be role models from the 365 Degree perspective! The role models for my 365 Degree world would be Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Abraham Lincoln. I am just understanding how different Mother Theresa was in her service to the poorest of the poor. Abe put us on the road to social justice. I’d be honored to be mentioned in the same breath as either of these great people!
Michael Moore is fantastic! His movies are life changing. He has the courage to stand up for those people who are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. The ability to constantly question the status quo is the most valuable tool we have as human beings. In a world of vanilla, Michael Moore is rainbow with sprinkles on top!
Judy, You are so right! I’ve enjoyed all of his movies and agree with his ideas and the way he goes about sharing them. He’s a powerful guy and a great role model, especially for kids. He gives me courage to speak my mind and not be afraid of what I believe. He is a rainbow with sprinkles on top – love that!!