For Babe Ruth and other earlier athletes, the media did not exploit all the bad qualities they exhibited. Now, things have changed and bad qualities are exploited so that athletes cannot be seen as heroes. The word role model has come to be used as a replacement for admiration of an athlete. According to Crosset, although an athlete may have skills we would like to possess, they do not share the same values and beliefs that we have.
A reason the article states of the importance of having a role model in our society today, is because the majority of families do not live up to the definition of the "traditional" family. Because of families with two parents working, the child may not have someone to look up to such as a hero, and therefore we find it important to have a role-model for these kids. The kids are treated as social problems for which we need to find a solution. Although role models for kids are usually parents, coaches, and teachers, the use of athletes as role models is very appealing in the dysfunctional and "non-traditional" family lifestyles as a solution to the problem.
Athletes are used more often as examples of role models than any other entertainers due to the fan-sporting event relationship. In sports, fans wear clothing for the team, applaud for the team, and perform various gift-giving forms for the team. In return, the observers expect the athletes to win and give back to the community by being positive role models.
According to the article, there are problems with using the word role model. First, it is used a lot with women and African American athletes. The term, when used with African American athletes is a reminder of something they have to be, usually the model of a White puritan. The word has an utter of racism to it when used toward African American athletes. Also, other than not having the time, athletes trying to be role models can be hypocritical at times.