published Oct. 23, 1997 Many sociologists agree that today’s kids face more difficult decisions, and more conflicting messages, than ever. With the introduction of cable TV, some cities now receive over one hundred different channels, and many children lack the decision-making skills to choose between them. Furthermore, the potato chip market has exploded in recent times with a deluge of muddled flavors. While luring youngsters with false promises of popularity and numerous “taste sensations,” chip marketers suggest that “everybody’s doing it,” and that kids should “try it once, and you don’t need to have anymore if you don’t like it.” In reality, though, no one can eat just one, and most people sink into a lifetime habit. Furthermore, many kids today are listening to so-called “rock and roll” music. Performers such as Semisonic, a group that performed at UMM last week, croon seductively saucy tunes while young folks gawk and swoon to the beat. For that reason, it is especially important in these turbulent times that people find role models with behavior worthy of emulation. Many of our society’s traditional role models, who once set the standards for diligence and virtue, seem to be falling astray from their duties as community leaders. Consider, for example, the adult movie star. It’s true, perhaps, that some adult movie stars were never the best role models one might hope for, often throwing temper tantrums when full script approval was not granted. Still, adult movies were once infused with positive messages for young viewers, such as “stay in school,” “visit the library,” and “prevent forest fires.” Last year, while the Dalai Lama’s quest to gain more religious freedom for the Tibetan people was a popular topic among adult film makers, youth topics were practically non-existent. The German Club, at one time, was viewed as a premier role model for children and students alike. Members of the German Club showed remarkable dedication, selling raffle tickets to help raise money for club activities as recently as last September. However, reports suggest a growing feud between the German Club and the French Club, though this has not been confirmed. This hostility may even include a new German Club initiation requirement: A tattoo reading, “Besser ein schmieriger Deutscher als ein verdammter Franzose,” or “Better a greasy German than an (expletive) Frenchman.” And then there is the media, once proud bearers of truth and quality entertainment. At UMM, the bitter rivalry between the two big arch-competitors, the University Register and the UMM Vanguard, has nearly destroyed them both. An unnamed columnist, desperate for readership, wrote last week about making broth from baboons, or something of that sort. On television, the paparazzi spirit has taken hold of many news teams, and there are some news broadcasts where the anchors relieve their boredom with on-air childish behavior. For instance, some news anchors openly insult one another on-the-air, while further agitating the situation by urinating in one another’s coffee. One news producer reportedly put the script from “Deliverance” in the teleprompters as a joke. It was not until the anchor had long past uttered “squeal like a pig” that the proper script was found. There is at least one bright spot, however, to be found amid today’s drab world. The news team at the Twin Cities NBC affiliate, KARE 11, still upholds role model qualities that many others have already abandoned. Foremost among these, perhaps, is the unique optimism that KARE 11’s news anchors emanate. Even though the weather in Minnesota is rarely a pleasant surprise, chief meteorologist Ken Barlow makes it seem fun, and he never depresses the audience by moping or bitching about the continuing crapulence of our state’s weather. KARE 11’s news anchors also successfully achieve a playful spirit without compromising the broadcast’s integrity. It is not uncommon to hear Diana Pierce, Paul Majors, and Randy Shaver joking on a weeknight’s newscast or sharing brief anecdotes with one another. KUMM deejays, known for their on-air grimness, ought to loosen up a little as KARE 11’s anchors have. As all good role models should, KARE 11’s news team also collaborates to help invigorate the community. Pierce has released two albums of uplifting music, and the station honors volunteers on a special program, “11 Who Kare.” Any KUMM specials making a similar play on the station’s call letters would be crude, and certainly not a community service. Yes, even today, if one looks hard enough, there are fine role models who can inspire us all. They might not be found in the bitter offices of the UR or the UMM Vanguard, but at least one group of people — the KARE 11 news team — still clings to the virtues and dreams of old: Virtues and dreams, arguably, that may help lead the next generation into the future.