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The use of the term mentor has become more popular than ever. It is not uncommon for the popular press and TV to include the term in its newscasts or drama programming. On the surface this may be a boon to mentoring consultants and program leaders eager to attract volunteers to their services. However, a recent article in Canada's major national newspaper could put a freeze on recruitment efforts.
In describing the trial in the U.S. of of teen-aged sniper Lee Boyd Malvo, a journalist for the Globe and Mail newspaper described convicted murderer, John Allen Muhammad a "mentor" to Mr. Malvo. Nothing could be further from the truth. A mentor, according to both historical and contemporary definitions, is a person who supports and encourages productive, positive, and spiritually rewarding behaviour, attitudes and growth. Mr. Muhammad might be more precisely called a "tormentor" in that he prevented Mr. Malvo from finding the right path in life.
I wrote a letter to the newspaper editor (not printed) and to the journalist to inform them of their mistake. I let her know that the use of the term mentor to describe this relationship was demeaning to the millions of mentors who give countless hours helping others and possibly might scare many people away from volunteering as mentors or allowing their children to be "mentored." I suggested that she apologize to the millions of readers currently engaged in mentoring young people in Canada. In response, the journalist wondered whether I was "just kidding" about the apology, and believed since her dictionary defined mentor as "an experienced and trusted advisor" she was justified in using the term.
I hope others will be able to keep alert to misuses of the term mentor or mentoring and when possible work to inform and educate the general public, not just the specific population or target of their mentoring programs. We have created a list of thousands of famous mentor pairings from all walks of life including athletes, actors, musicians, politicians, historical figures, writers, fictional characters portrayed in movies, TV, and literature, as well as from business and industry. (Click here to access this list). Please feel free to use these examples to help others learn about the power of mentoring.
This article was written by Rey Carr of Peer Resources. Peer Resources has been in operation as a non-profit educational corporation since 1975 and has an unequaled record of experienced and published experts in peer, mentor, and coach systems in Canada.
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