Why Do People Behaving Badly Overshadow People Behaving Honorably?
Role models are people who inspire us, people we look up to with admiration and for direction. They are the pillars of society—people who are raised to prominence by their celebrity status, by their business acumen and philanthropy, by their achievements in social or political circles, by their success in the realms of sport and entertainment, and sometimes by a single life-changing event. To honor that role they massage their image by being mindful of their behavior. Unfortunately, they are overshadowed by the bad behavior of those who fail to live up to their role model status. After all, bad behavior frequently gains more notoriety and fame; and television exploits such behavior for ratings. For example, whenever a celebrity or prominent individual behaves badly (and some do, and they realize it, and they even apologize), we have talk show hosts who use that opportunity to add more kindling to the fire to enhance their ratings. What is wrong with this picture? It is like a wound that just keeps getting picked at so the sore stays open and will not heal. Society needs to heal its wounds so it can move on. (more…)
