Heroes Changing Character

Kevin L. Mayer, co-news-editor

Recently, the image a hero reflects has been molded to portray a negative perception, and the essence a hero once carried no longer applies. 

When asked about heroes, most people respond, they “don’t know.” That can be taken one of two ways. Either they do not wish to share who their hero is, or they just do not have one. There was once a time when heroes where abundant. Among those described, as heroes were firefighters, policemen, teachers, and even military personnel.

With all that our country has been through, one would think the heroism of firefighters, policemen, and the military would be greatly honored and appreciated. This does not appear to be the case.

Younger Americans are looking up to sports figures and celebrities as idols and heroes. The situation could not be more dire than it is now.

We see sports figures being accused of drug abuse and violent crimes. Yet somehow, when a basketball player runs into the stands and fights with a fan, the media coverage heightens the popularity of the athlete. Anyone see a football half-time show that included wardrobe malfunctions? How can this be, and why does it improve popularity?

Our society has de-evolved to a point that a negative event is spun into positive coverage for the individual. The ideological thought behind the spin is nothing but political correctness. Somehow the bad deeds of these individuals are spun into the argument that they deserve our pity, or for some reason, they just did not know any better.

It amazes me that some teens look up to athletes who are around their same age. A handful of these athletes left college early or came straight out of high school to be a superstar. There are many Hollywood celebrities who dropped out of college or have no college education to speak of. These are the people our society raises on pedestals. Less educated, criminally negligent idols are becoming the influential members of our society. This must alarm more than just me.

With the recent reality TV craze, more celebrities are receiving their own shows. Since the number of these shows has increased, the number of rejects on TV has increased as well.  Of course, these shows are quality, family entertainment, right? Hardly. The shows are nothing but filler. It seems people are viewing these shows to pass the time, watching someone’s life that is more pitiful than their own.

Filler seems to be the only reason behind the death of heroes. A hero used to be an individual who was looked up to, or idolized as someone everyone wanted to be. Realistic expectations no longer apply. One cannot expect celebrities to maintain a squeaky clean image throughout their life. Perhaps this is why those who came before us produced unrealistic heroes among the realistic. This is evident in the many comic book heroes previous generations have created.

Which came first, the lack of heroes or the lack of achievable goals? While watching a celebrity reality show, one cannot help but notice a lack of common sense and realism. These superstars come across as if they believe they are better than everyone, and, therefore, they deserve everything they want.

A realistic hero reflects realistic goals for that individual. That is the reason they are considered heroes, their accomplishments in life.

There will always be situations where someone may be remembered by the negative impact they had or the bad decisions made in his or her life. The unit of measurement for most is results. Whether they are positive or negative, the most influential aspects are the actions taken.

Many people have taken their heroes straight to the heart. Family members have become the heroes. I am the same way. I cannot have a hero who does not have the same values or morals that I have. I want someone I believe in and will continue to believe in. This is why family has taken a front seat when someone is looking for heroes. Family members should have the same ideals and ethics. Moreover, you can count on family members. They will be there when needed.

To me, a hero will do something few others choose to do. A hero runs into the burning building to save others. A hero will take a bullet for someone. A hero protects the weak. Where have all the heroes gone?