As is vividly depicted in the photos above, Beckham, the handsome British football superstar, is enjoying a striking popularity among young people. In the first photo, Beckham’s name appears on a young man’s face. The caption indicates that worship for the idol is written on the face. In the second photo, this young man is doing Beckham’s chic hairstyle in a barbershop. We are informed that he is spending 300 yuan imitating his idol’s hairdo.

Undoubtedly, the photos have subtly reflected the social phenomenon that idol worship is prevalent among the youth nowadays. Beckham represents the image of sport hero whose handsome appearance and unparalleled football skills are passionately adored by all the sports fans. Likewise, several teenage girls won their fame overnight in The 2005 Super Girl Contest in China, which provoked nationwide noisy debates on the value and harm of admiring these idols. Generally speaking, young people are inclined to adore the people who excel in appearance, intelligence or talent.

In my opinion, idol worship, the thought-provoking social phenomenon, is a double-edged sword which can deeply influence the growth of young people. If we simply worship the idols by imitating their hairstyles or pursuing fashions unreasonably, the obsession will certainly waste us a great deal of money or time, endangering the efficiency of our work. On the contrary, we will lead a positive and fruitful life if we endeavor to improve ourselves by bridging the gap between our models and us. Therefore, the latter attitude should be adopted to direct our way of life.