[Write14u]

Corkey, I agree with you about role models to a degree. Having been in the sports world all my life, I can promise you few athletes cast themselves as a role model. However, with our society, that is how they are seen. So whether a celeb or athlete wants to be a role model, they're going to be seen that way, and their conduct is going to be held up in either a positive or negative way.

For example, I always found it ridiculous that college athletes were blasted for displaying the same type of behavior as the general college population (going out, drinking, etc.) However, for athletes, they represent a university, and later possibly a professional organization) and have to keep a higher standard (or keep it way on the DL).

While celebs don't represent anyone in particular, they are going to be viewed as role models, good or bad. When you step into the limelight as an advocate because of your fame or status, then you do bear the responsibility to be a role model, wanted or not. Chaz and many others, such as Ellen, have already accepted that fact. Chaz has long been an advocate for the queer community. Right or wrong, like it or not, for now ... the transgender community is going to be judged by how Chaz presents himself, and I think he's fully aware of this.

Celebs and athletes and other famous figures are just humans. They shouldn't be elevated and put on pedestals for their talents, but sadly they are. While I think many are to be admired, they're not the people I consider role models, but that's not how everyone works.