We make our role models heroes, buy we’ve heard the phrase many times, “Never meet your heroes”. I would argue the phrase should be taken a little deeper to, “Never get to know your heroes.” We make heroes out of athletes, actors, and activists based on how we choose to see them. However, the real people will never live up to the lofty pedestal we so eagerly build for them. However, somehow we are shocked when they fail.
Athletes are role models for either being really good at a sport on our favorite team, or something happened in their lives that is relatable to many people. So kids might look up to Lebron James because they want to be a great basketball player but that then turns into emulating his entire public persona. Then you have other people that might look up to Tim Tebow because of his faith, which became evident when he was winning national championships at Florida. So, athletes fall into this category where we first love them because of their skill, but then choose to admire everything else about them because of those skills.
So, what happens when athletes let us down? What happens when kids start to emulate political ideas or support causes because of that athlete, but as parents we disagree with those things? What happens when the role models we choose because of their athletic abilities start to affect every aspect of our lives?
The Reason We Love Them in the First Place
If they made it on our list because their athletes, there are reasons that apply to basically every superstar athlete. Becoming a superstar at your sport goes beyond simple elite athletic ability. A great deal of hard work and dedication to their craft is one of the biggest reasons they’ve achieved their current level of success. So, admire that.
\If you’re drafted by a professional league then you’re talented and demonstrated elite athletic ability or performance at lower levels. What sets Peyton Manning from Tim Couch is Manning’s work ethic and dedication to become an elite quarterback. That can not only be admired, but it can be applied to achieve success in anyone’s career of choice.
Role Models Are Real People
It’s easy to get lost in the passion and euphoria that makes sports billion dollar industries. The people that participate in those sports not only contribute to that passion, but in many cases, are the reason we feel so much joy or sadness watching them. However, they are real people with real problems and none of us truly understand the pressure they feel every day. So, they might handle it poorly and act out of their normal character.
Also, since they are real people, their thoughts and opinions are just like everyone else. The fact that Peyton Manning or Tom Brady can lead their teams to Super Bowls, doesn’t give them amazing insight into political causes or ideologies that transcends the understanding of the people who admire them. It’s an opinion that you can either choose to agree with or disagree with, but don’t blindly agree with them because of the euphoria you felt when they won your team a championship.
Role Models Deserve the Same Grace
How many people do you know in your life that make mistakes or disagree with you? Do you stop talking to them because of it? Do they lose your respect because of it? That answer depends on you and the athlete you choose to make your role model?
Politics divide our country severely, but we still universally consider some actions and decisions wrong. Any kind of violence toward others or threat of violence toward others, actions that are deceitful and hurtful, or actions that show the lack of concern towards others fall into that category. Regardless, don’t choose to emulate that or label these athletes as evil because of them. Give them the same grace you give your friends and family.
Failures are Learning Points
As a role model, Athletes might let you down. He or she could be someone that makes large mistakes or small ones. They may apologize for it, or they maybe stoically unapologetic. Just remember a few things when that happens.
Athletes are not all knowing and wise. They make mistakes and fall short of our expectations. When that happens, take an opportunity to learn from it. Parents, take it as an opportunity to talk to your children about why what they did was wrong so they won’t go down the same path. You can actually learn from their failures and still look to emulate their hard work and dedication. You can disagree with them on an issue and still admire their work ethic.
We as fans often put expectations on people that they might never live up to, or never had those qualities in the first place. It’s OK to look up to them. However, I would encourage you to be smart about. Never let anyone tell you how to think without first looking at what their saying and analyzing it. Don’t see their mistakes as acceptable just because they are great athletes. They’re people too, so see them that way. Maybe then will you will not be crushed when you meet your hero and they don’t feel like your hero anymore.
The Couch Warmers gave their take on the issue:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2144068/episodes/13108500