The difference between Celebrities and Politicians

• Fly4Fun

  

  Ok, this whole Tiger thing has annoyed me a bit.
  
  I figure there are two kinds of famous people... the Celebrities (Athletes, Actors, Artists, etc) and the Politicians.
  
  I divide them into two groups because of the potential ramifications of their actions. While I do acknowledge that celebrities do give to charities and try to make a difference with their fame... their main occupation is still entertaining the masses. A politicians job however is quite different. Their job is to be the leaders of our country and they should be held to a higher standard because of this.
  
  Now all this said I'll get to my point at hand.
  
  Why do we care that Tiger cheated on his wife? Do you watch Tiger golf because he is a moral man? No. I watch him golf because he is absolutely amazing.
  
  An athletes character outside the realm of the game they participate in has nothing to do with why I watch them. If they take steroids or violate the rules of the game in some way, then yes, that matters. But whether he speeds to fast (AP) or cheats on his wife, or anything. I don't care.
  
  The same argument can be applied to actors, artists, whatever. I don't go to movies, listen to music, or visit museums because they are good moral individuals. I do that because of their talents.
  
  But with politicians it is different. Their "talent" is directly related with their moral compass. Every choice they make directly reflects on their ability to do their job. They deserve the criticism and scrutiny that comes when they show a lack of morals in another area of their life... whether it be a sitting President, governor or some nominee for any position. Their lack of practical decision making ability is reflected in the poor choices that they make... and that does translate to their ability to perform.
  
  I'll never understand why people focus on the wrong things too often.
  
  We have people who cheat on their wife get blown up in the media (Tiger) and players in the NFL do steroids, get suspended for a couple of weeks then completely forgiven. One relates to their performance on the field, the other doesn't.
• thedynasty1998

  

  I couldn't agree with you more.
  
  However, athletes are looked up to more so than politicians and it would be nice if they would live by a set of morals that kids would adopt. More kids want to be Tiger Woods and Lebron James than Barack Obama. Is that wrong? Maybe. But it's also reality.
  
  Unless sponsors demand more out of their clients (Nike, Gatorade, Buick, etc...) there isn't much else that can be done. The owners of the teams generally don't care as long as they are winning. The commissioners don't care as long as they are making money. And the same applies to the sponsors.
  
  
  It's just the society that we live in. Kid are going to look up to professional athletes, actors and musicians. It's the parents job to instill a good set of morals. It's just too bad we have too many bad parents.