“The Arrogant and the Cruel…Why We Shouldn’t Follow Their Example”

There’s a painful truth many of us learn too late: Is that some of the people we admire from afar—those

whose careers we imgagined emulating and following in there footsteps—can be deeply disappointing when you meet them in person. Coming up in radio, I had idols. Giants in Black radio whose talent and presence lit up the airwaves. I studied them, celebrated them, and imagined what it would be like to meet them one day. But when I finally did meet them —at conventions, backstage, in green rooms—I was stunned by the arrogance they displayed toward those who admired them. Not all, but enough to leave a negative impression on me. I’ve stood in the presence of the greats of this modern era.

 And I vowed, early on, that I would never treat someone who looked up to me the way I had been treated. I pray I’ve never offended anyone, though I know I may have. But I know I was never intentionally cruel to anyone. We must have humility. Humility is the key ingredient when dealing with the public. When you think you’re better than the people who listen to you, and are suppose to serve you’ve become a devil in the midst of your audience. And the irony? Some of the most arrogant personalities aren’t even that good. They should be called out—and rightly so. 

  How to Deal With Meeting an Arrogant and Cruel Role Model 

1.Acknowledge your feelings. 

 2.Don’t brush off the disappointment. It’s natural to feel hurt when admiration collapses. 

 3.Separate the person from the lesson.

 4.Sometimes their work or achievements may still carry value, even if their character doesn’t. Take the lesson, leave the poison. 

 5.Release unrealistic pedestals. 

 6.No one is perfect. This experience teaches you not to worship people, but to respect qualities. 

 7.Don’t mirror their behavior. Their arrogance doesn’t justify arrogance in you. Use it as a reminder of the kind of leader or person not to become. 

 8.Shift your admiration. 

 9.Redirect your energy toward humble, kind, and authentic people who inspire by lifting others up.

 10.Protect your spirit. Limit exposure to people who make you feel small, even if they’re “famous” or “successful.” Protecting your energy is more important than being close to someone with status.

 11.Turn the disappointment into fuel. 

 12.Let it push you to embody the opposite—humility, compassion, respect—so others never feel let down when they meet you. One arrogant person doesn’t mean all leaders, mentors, or role models are the same. Stay open, but wiser. 

 In today’s world, where attention is fragmented and fleeting, you should thank your lucky stars that anyone is listening to you at all. If you want to be a star among the people, treat them like the stars they are. Because people will always remember how you made them feel in your presence. Approach your community as a servant. Lift others up. Use your influence for good. That’s how you build legacy—not just fame.