Why do we look up to actors and athletes as heroes?

Question

Saving the argument that they are payed entirely too much for what little they do, how amazing is someone who has practiced and practiced (and, wow, is good at a sport) or an actor who is basically an empty vessel who plays pretend all day. I fail to see the brilliance or real contribution to mankind.

Answer 1

A bit of a chicken & egg situation here. Were they regarded as heroes because the mass media stuffs them down our throats, or does the mass media stuff them down our throats because we see them as heroes?
Either way, people like Paris Hilton, Anna Kournikova and Bai Ling have proven that you don't have to be really good at your craft, you just need lots of exposure. For example, even the most untalented hack you could imagine would get popular if they got their own TV show (again, like Paris Hilton).
The key is to be exposed, and to be known to the general public. If enough people know you, some are bound to like you.
In no way does this prove that actors and athletes are worthy of their fat paychecks, it's more of a sad testament to the inherent potential for meaningness superficiality within humans.

Answer 2

I think the term is 'StarStruck'. A person that is seen regularly in the public eye and recognised by masses of people develop a comfort zone in people that as a mass we appreciate...

..We relate to their individual personality and would in time like to perhaps express our similarities or differences with them.....

....I used to think exactly as you did....then I realised I didn't care, when I got married, I had neices and nephews etc etc. It just wasn't important to get upset over anymore.

.....Reason like this...

Positive.....Someone is famous, they earn a great deal of money for it.....

Negative.....They have no privacy, they're private lives outside of work is scrutinised by the press and media, they continually need to perform well to keep their lifestyle they are now used to. They will eventually fade into obscurity as yesterdays hero.

Answer 3

Because we sure can't look up to politicians.

I personally don't look up to anybody, but politicians are also paid entirely too much for what little they do; at least actors don't try to hide the fact that somebody rich and powerful is paying to put words in their mouths.

Answer 4

Lack of self esteem maybe?
I see no big accomplishment in being good at something that you do everyday......Hell, I could be a competitive sleeper, I practice that as much as possible.
I don't see where they should be regarded as hero's period. They are just normal people. No one would know who they were if they weren't plastered all over television 24/7.....

Answer 5

Yeah, I mean how is someone who can act a hero? They're talented, but how did that make them so special?

Answer 6

I look up to them because they have achieved something. I feel the same way about artists or authors though. I'm too lazy to do what they do so fair play to them I say.

Answer 7

people as well as children like to be like them . my opion?