The trap way too many people fall into is the idea that role models exist as x,y, or z. In reality people that deserve to be looked up to are everywhere.

Role models can also be polarizing people too. Colin Kaepernick and Tim Tebow are two great examples of people that use their platform to make a point or personify an idea. To millions those two are heroes and to that many more those two are opportunists with an agenda.

I understand your point and it's important to teach young people that because a person excels at something doesn't make that person extra in any other way.

I will encourage my children to look for leaders and people to look up to in roles my boys are interested in. If that's sports or music I'll encourage them to find quality role models in sports and music. If it's coding or enforcing laws I'd do the same.

The important takeaway is there are role models and shitty people in all walks of life.