Comments on: Mythical Vs. Real Life Role Models

By: Rich Pulvino

Rich Pulvino — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:27:03 +0000

Yes, I think it is wrong to create the images and try to pass them off as the real. You could argue that some artists, like comedians (low-brow art, my favorite kind of art!), present a mythical image, but those images are shticks and are created in a false sense in order to entertain us.

Tiger is an extremely talented athlete that enjoys sleeping with many women. You know what then? His reps should have let Tiger be Tiger instead of building the perfect “family-man-and-god-like-athlete” image. Tiger would probably be ridiculed for being so promiscuous , but at least that would be the real him. I think the real him would've been better received by the public than building a family and tearing it apart.

By: Tom O'Keefe

Tom O'Keefe — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:15:01 +0000

I guess my point is that he's communicated this squeaky-clean image to the public via branding, advertising, countless interviews, and his play on the course. He's deceived many people through this public image. I think that's why people felt the public deserved an apology. People definitely look up to his athleticism, but people also pointed to his hard working attitude, his relationships with his parents, caddy, and his family, and the idea that he was an athlete doing it “right” as reasons to root for him and trust him and his advertisers.

By: jeffespo

jeffespo — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:58:13 +0000

Brenda, this is my favorite commercial of my childhood. It puts the onus on the parents to focus on their kids and raise them right.

By: Brenda Drake

Brenda Drake — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:26:27 +0000

LOVE this video Jeff – I had never seen it before. Great thoughts and I wholeheartedly agree!!!

By: missmotorcade

missmotorcade — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:50:04 +0000

Agreed – being the best at a sport or being an award-winning actor doesn't make someone all-around awesome and/or worthy of “role model” status. I wonder whether the cult of celebrity will continue [to grow] in our society.

By: Christina K

Christina K — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:27:26 +0000

Hi Rob,

Thanks for stopping by! My favorite part about the Barkley video is when he says, “I'm not here to raise your kids.” You're right, it's up to the parents to explain to their kids – you can wear his jersey or buy his video games but remember what you idolize. He's not a god – he's human and will make mistakes.

By: Christina K

Christina K — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:20:42 +0000

I knew you would enjoy that .

You've added a good point too. If he made a general remark out of ignorance towards people, large groups of people, I'd be more offended and feel an apology was warranted.

By: Christina K

Christina K — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:18:20 +0000

And what does that say about our society... ergh #fail?

I read People, US Weekly, and gossip mags but for entertainment to see who's wearing what, what movie is the next big thing. But I could careless that Kate Hudson is sleeping with A-Rod or that so and so cheated on Jennifer Aniston.

Here's my question, is it wrong for publicists to create these mythical role model images?

By: Christina K

Christina K — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:13:30 +0000

Hey Andrew, thanks for adding to the comments today. I always laugh when the “other” women want apologies. But that's a chat for another day.

I agree with Jeff also, sponsorships and family matters should be in a boardroom or behind closed doors.

By: Christina K

Christina K — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:12:22 +0000

Jeff – can't thank you enough for sharing this video. I watched it a few times and its perfectly put.

Like Barkley said, “I'm not here to raise your children.”

He's not. He's here to play a game and show how hard work, determination, and skill can make you a great athlete.