How should our role models be?

The classic hero is someone who is superior in every way but one -- in other words, he has one fatal flaw which, if he doesn't in overcoming it, will lead to his downfall. People who are too perfect are daunting to the rest of us. Instead of taking them as role models, we put them on a pedestal -- far above us. Fictional heroes tend to have their flaws and weaknesses airbrushed out, with the result that any attempt to emulate them would be unrealistic, as they are not people like us.

Our earliest role models are, surely, our parents. When we are very small, they represent perfection to us (if we are fortunate enough, that is, to have good parents). We seek to copy them. Gradually we realise that there are things in their nature, character and behaviour that we prefer not to imitate. Perhaps we even learn from those weaknesses the way in which we ourselves would aspire to go. This, I think, gives us the answer to your question. We should take real people as our role models, but always with the awareness that they too may be struggling with personal problems and that they are subject to the same temptations as the rest of us.

Tough question. I think both. Mainly because I always feel sorry for elite athletes, musicians and actors who do something immoral and get crucified by the media. All they are, is really good at what they do in the field they love, they did not 'sign up' to be a role model. Anyone that wants to classify/claim themselves as a role model should realise they have an obligation to be well behaved at all times. Fictional characters can be great role models, however even their writers seem to crave creating a little scandal here and there..

Without the "perfect role model" not many would strive for success less bullies, more money is spread out.

With the "perfect role model" people may set extremely unrealistic goals and that is what causes bullying too. It also produces unrealistic celebrities which much of America's money goes to. (And I am not implying it dreams not come true but let's be honest) (Becoming president is not easy)

Maybe it would be better to focus on the people doing good in the world rather than the 'celebrities' who are usually more famous for their indiscretions than for acting/singing/presenting... Sadly the people who advocate for the needy are just not sensationalist for the media, or us as the consumers. We expect to see who's having an affair, or which sports person got drunk or high and hit someone. It's a societal problem.