I didn’t know about that either until Mr. Heston died and a friend mentioned it.

Re: scales – I don’t know, that’s a tough question. I guess the way I look at it is not whether someone does more good than bad, but how much they try to do the right thing. Of course, one has to remember that a role model is subjective. I believe a person typically chooses one based on who he would like to be – good or evil.

For me, even though it was just a cartoon, G.I. Joe was always the perfect role model – they never cursed, drank, or smoked, were chivalrous, courageous, etc.

As for Michael Moore, I haven’t seen any of his films, so I couldn’t comment on how he treated Heston.

It’s sad how many of our role models let us down. And not just our public figures either, those from all walks of life. Personally, I feel I can still respect Clooney for the bulk of what he’s done and continues to do that’s good, but then incidents like this on give me pause.

Is it a question then of balancing what someone does on a scale – more good than bad = role model?

I don’t know. But it is sad when bad behaviour can cause total loss of respect. Good lesson.

As an aside, I also felt Michael Moore picked on Heston unnecessarily, too, in one of his films, and I for one would like to see that kind of behaviour stop.

@ Reid – that’s a really nice thought, sir.

You mentioned George Clooney as a good example of a gentleman. Are you aware of his behavior in regard to Charlton Heston and response when asked if he should apologize? http://www.thebostonchannel.com/entertainment/1931445/detail.html

I don’t know about you, but I pretty much lost all of my respect for the man upon reading that.

There was no real insight that I couldn’t get from my neighbor. Case in point: the most difficult thing this guy has done was “firing someone.” There are men out there that have fought in World Wars…that have raised kids with drug addictions… that have built great international companies…. etc. etc.

But you guys chose a man, when asked who his role models were, answered first: Brad Pitt and George Clooney….. uhhhh…. not Martin Luther King…. Winston Churchill….etc?

No slight on you Mr. Kern, you seem like a nice man. I just expected a bit more than this.

I wanted to respond to Katherine’s comment and say that I totally agree. My decision early not to be a dad did not come lightly. I believe firmly that grown-ups without children of their own have a heightened obligation to ‘give back’ to society in ways that are default if you’re raising children. Those who do give the world future teachers and artists and doctors and airline pilots, carpenters and the list goes on. Those who do not give the gift of children should then give in other ways, like mentoring and working in areas that are difficult for parents to work in, like research for instance.

I’m not a big fan of DINKS (Dual Income No Kids) who live shallow, narcissistic lives and contribute nothing to society by their own consumption. They may help the economy, but they don’t help society.

Like many men, I am flawed. And working through my flaws, I feel, helps me step closer what what being a man is all about.

@TeeJay – you are correct, sir.

-Dan

Thanks Brett!