My friend Heather Greenwood-Davis is passionate about people and how we treat them. Her trip around the world with her kids only made her more sensitive to those who don't have a voice. In the following guest post she asks parents to reconsider the idea of putting athletes and celebrities on pedestals without knowing who they truly are.
Guest Post: The Problem With A Pedestal
Recently I overheard a conversation about Oscar Pistorius.
The athlete nicknamed "The Blade Runner" - in
relation to the double leg prosthesis he wore during his quest for Olympic
glory on behalf of South Africa - has been charged with premeditated murder in
the death of his girlfriend. It’s a grisly tale.
The couple I overheard
discussing this was clearly shocked, as I think most people were, to hear the
news. But their response, which was also likely common to many, is
demonstrative of the problem we have as a continent.
“I can’t believe he could do that!” said one. “He seemed
like such a nice guy…”
Shaking his head, the other responded, “He was a role
model!”
Actually he wasn’t and isn’t.