Explanation:
Not fully confident in my answer, but here we go:
We see that LaBarge refers to two different categories of people:
1. the people that see women's rights crusader Susan B. Anthony as a hero
2. the people that see a model or actress as a hero
On one side, we have people who think that "human excellence" exemplifies progressive and innovative ideas, like women's rights.
On the other, some people think that "human excellence" is shown through physical characteristics or appearance, such as the beauty of a model or actress.
I believe that LaBarge is trying to make a message- that we shouldn't idolize actresses or models as much as we do. We should instead venerate those who take action, the people who have an effect on the world. Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights. How could that compare to mere physical beauty?
