Tiger Woods is a world-champion golfer. He is admired for his dedication and skill on the course and his humility and personality off the course. His fame started because of his extraordinary skill in golf.

Susan Boyle was a little known woman in Scotland until she entered a talent competition and wowed the judges with her singing voice. She has a talent for singing. So do many others.

South African President Jacob Zuma was put forward by the winning party of the last election as their candidate for president. He was touted as a “president of the people”, in touch with the masses and an example to the youth.

Tiger Woods has recently been exposed for having numerous affairs during his marriage; Susan Boyle has been having “breakdowns” and mistreating people; and Jacob Zuma, a polygamist by culture, is said to have fathered 20 illegitimate children. And the world is horrified and exclaims: “How could these perfect examples of good morals do such things? They should be ashamed and apologise to all who idolise and adore them!”

Woods is a professional golfer. Boyle is a singer. Zuma is a president. These are their roles. Why are we looking for them to be the perfect example of what we are not? If I had to judge myself by similar standards I would fail dismally, especially since what I do often contradicts what society deems good behaviour.

Please understand that, while I may not condone the behaviour of these individuals, I choose to focus on what expectations we, as society, have placed on these people. We chose to make them the people they are not and so we should happily accept them when they show the people they are.