The problem is that I haven't the foggiest notion of what role model means. Maybe that's why it fascinates me. 

Apparently the folks over at Webster's don't have the foggiest notion of what it means, either. They say that a “role model” is “a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.” Yeah. Right. Like Bela Lugosi playing the part of Dracula. 

OK, let's see what we can do with it. 

Webster's says that a “role” is “a part played by an actor.” And that a “model" is “an example for imitation or emulation." 

So maybe the ones who use the phrase “role model" mean “someone whose actions should be imitated or emulated by others.” 

OK. Here we have postal carrier Charlie Smith. Just celebrated his fiftieth wedding anniversary. Raised 5 children. Put them all through college. Always there for his friends and neighbors when they need him. Loved by all who know him. Now is Charlie ever sought out by advertisers to be a role model? Not a chance. 

And then we have hotdog Billy Crump. NBA superstar. Ten million dollars a year in salary alone. Unlike Charlie, however, his actions are an embarrassment to his teammates, to his employer, to the fans, and to the local sports writers. But do advertisers turn and run when Billy's agent approaches them with a deal that would make Billy a behavioral object of worship for their products? Are you kidding? They trip over each other lining up. 

So much for role models. 

Think about it.