There is a popular saying, “Never meet your hero”. This is because the farther you are from them the bigger they are and the closer you are to them the smaller they become. Optical illusion huh...
The idea behind this concept is quiet wild because one would naturally think it is suppose to be a privilege to meet and know one's idol. The opportunity to possibly learn and/or be associated with a person you look up to should drive a perception of gratitude but most times the reverse is the case.
I can't say if it’s human nature or if some are just wired different than others but I believe that a complacency gradually creeps in. You no longer are in awe of that person especially when you meet them frequently. Your former blanket admiration about them is slowly chipped away like the waves would sand on the seashore. And funny enough this is if your admiration doesn’t disappear immediately you meet them.
From afar you see a perfect being and once you get close you begin to realize that the imperfect puzzles forced together to make a superficial painting is inherent in them just like you, just like every other human and it should be ok...I guess.
As a person deeply involved in public relations, I can say that I've met a number of high figures. I recently even wrote on my travails as a liar by trade and while I hate certain aspects about my job, I cannot emphatically say it is without its perks. One of them is meeting people that I looked up to. Keyword...“looked”.
I've found out that after meeting them and interviewing them, the respect (no that isn't the word), the high expectations that I had before meeting them are utterly fallen short of. Maybe it's because I have to help them spin stories or cover up lies...maybe it's because I'm not appreciative of the position they put me. It is quite sad at times.
About a couple of days ago I interviewed someone I held in high regard, someone that I expected more from but he was nothing special to be honest, just like the others.
He was a former president and at first I was in awe of him – or more to the point – I was in awe of the image his publicists had painted for the public. I was in awe for just about 10 minutes but as I began asking veritable questions, he crumbled before my eyes.
After the interview I could see the chinks in his armour. I can't say that he is anything short of an average human being that rose to power on the steeds of lies, deceit, cheating and definitely luck – he was at the right place at the right time.
Maybe it is just me. Should I not expect better from people? Should I expect everyone to be hidden in a wall of facade? Should I lower my expectation?
Maybe it is my own humanity that I fall prey to...expecting what I myself could not give. Heaven knows I have flaws that overwhelm me most times. Sometimes I can't help but imagine if I’d be like that to someone who looks up to me. The pressure to be myself and not crumble someone's expectation and admiration. Sighs
This is mixed for me...and hard, really hard.
