| An Influential Gold Medallist Winning a prize such as an Olympic Gold Medal is quite a prestigious event that would leave one with an immense amount of influence, which could be used for many purposes. Also, the sum of money awarded to the winner could be used for various activities. There are so many possibilities of impacts one could make with such prestige that one would be a fool to focus their efforts on one point. There are many ways to help society thrive and, of course, someone that has won a Gold Medal could easily impel the masses to better themselves and their communities. And now, enough with the circular arguments and the on to the subject matter: What the influence of a Gold Medallist could be used for. The first objective of any upstanding, influential individual would have to be reducing famine in indigent nations. The best way to do something of this sort would be to appear on some sort of infomercial. And I, personally, would appear for free, since receiving compensation for a charitable deed would not make that deed very charitable now, would it? The populace would almost instantly band together under my lead and donate obscene amounts of dollars, food and clothing. Also, accompanying the infomercials with a public speaking campaign, whilst wearing the Gold Medal, would most likely increase public participation. This will undoubtedly impact the desolate populations in the most beneficial of ways. Another matter needing to be dealt with, though more obscure than the former is quite horrible, and is nepotism. Not only is this referring to favoritism for family, since that has been on a decline for centuries, but also other forms of favoritism and underhanded dealings. I would write (as in newspaper articles and the like) of the horrors of discrimination, bribery and whatnot. And now before you decide to write this off as trite, I beseech you to hear me. I would not focus solely on the traditional arguments of discrimination, such as women, African Americans or other minorities, but even the somewhat paradoxical reverse discrimination. This is when one of the majority (white males) is not accepted into an organization in favor of one of the minority, even though they are better qualified, because of quotas the organization must (would like to) fill. Though it seems racist I assure you it is not, and that it does happen. The other underhanded dealings I would speak out against would be corruption in business and politics. No one likes soft money and other forms of bribery, and the world would be that much better without it. And once again, writing about the aforementioned topics in widely distributed publications would be the best course of action. Contrary to nepotism, the topic of the cessation of the trafficking of illegal substances (be they our so-called “illegal drugs” or simply ones not approved by the FDA, but does not count those being researched). The easiest way to accomplish the duty would be to make various public service announcements along the lines of the “Not Me. Not Now.” campaign, which would be done free of charge. The kiddies, as I like to call them, would most probably listen because most childhood heroes are athletes and children are so naïve and impressionable that if one of their heroes told them not to do drugs they would listen, unlike if their parents told them. The abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is also a colossal dilemma that must be dealt with. Since the plurality of the perpetrators are the middle aged to elderly who think nothing of taking a couple more pills to ease their ailments are much less impressionable persons, who most likely do not listen to anyone. For these writing various essays for newspapers or journals would help some, but the fact would remain that the ignorant, who do not read such things, could not benefit from them. That is unfortunate but unavoidable. No one can reach everyone. Finally would come the use of the prize money (yes, they do win money, though it does not come directly from Olympic Committees. It comes from private organizations and one’s own nation). Although it is not technically influence, it is quite useful in research. I would donate the cash to stem cell and other genetic research. Though there are many that think such a thing is immoral, those people are undoubtedly wrong. Investigation of that kind could prove quite useful in the medical sciences. It could also give insight on evolution, both past and future, since it seems Darwinism needs an update. Genetic research could also unlock latent abilities within humans. Abilities such as telekinesis, telepathy or extra sensory perception can become a reality. And through manipulation of the genome the path of man could be quickly accelerated, and if it heads in the direction that would be desirable - greater development of the mind – there would be remarkable achievements in technology. Such things like a means of fleeing the planet when inevitable doom rains upon it. Genetic engineering could also induce great societal change. Adjusting genetic structures can cure diseases, allowing great minds to survive what could have been certain death. Ergo the money would be well spent. These few acts could insure the betterment of society. But, the thought of the multitude’s reactions being too optimistic may have crossed through your mind. Yet to think that, you would have to neglect the naivete of the general public and, maybe, somewhat my own (though I, myself, do not feel that I am at all so callow). Of course, the struggle to realize the aforementioned objectives would be rather difficult because of the massive amounts of ignorance in the world. After all, Einstein did say, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” And although fighting such ignorance may be futile, it never hurts to try (well, according to Einstein, maybe a little). (note: the only reason for writing the preceding pile of crap was for a scholarship. I believe in some points, not all. You know, the not gay ones.) |