Hero ?

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Aneirin -> Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:04:58 AM)
In this day and age we are hearing the word hero bandied about in the media on an almost daily basis, but what do people understand about the word, what is a hero(ine)s to them, and how do they differentiate between hero(ine)s and hero(ine)s ? Is the word being overused perhaps, are we in danger of using the word to describe where it should not be used, are we in it's overt use perhaps watering down the word, by wearing it out ? In my understanding, I take hero to mean someone who rises above all odds and achieves, most definately in situations where the lives of others are in peril, a saviour. How my understanding differs from the official understanding I don't know, but I have my own understanding which works for me, an understanding where the awarding of hero status is applied discriminantly so as to keep the word's elevated status. What do others think ?

kiwisub12 -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:16:55 AM)
Pilot who lands his plane on a river - doing his job. Passengers who ensure a plane bent on hitting the White House crashes - and get killed in the process - hero. Policeman shot and killed while protecting children from mad gunman - doing his job -abet in superb fashion. Man assisting policeman in protecting children from mad gunman - hero. Seems the media claims "hero" for anyone doing their job in a spectacular fashion -which is people doing their job! Its the people who dive into a situation where they have no responsibility and a lot of personal danger that are the heros. But then of course, if the media claimed that someone did their job really well, and tried to make a sound bite that can last for 24 hours, it wouldn't really work well. The media overblows a story (in effect, making a story) to make it sound BIGGER, and more IMPORTANT! Oddly enough, I think a lot of people have become so innured to this technique that they pay little attention to what the media says, assuming that they are having crap blown up their skirts.

Louve00 -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:20:19 AM)
For me, a person is a hero if they have my back. If they're willing to drop things to always be there for me. To make a difference, when I need a difference made. To make it matter when it matters to me. Kind of like your savior. I don't feel the word is being overused because I know its a word that means many things to many people. I just know what it means to me. [sm=smile.gif]

pahunkboy -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:41:26 AM)
A hero- is not necessarily viewed as a hero at the time.

Termyn8or -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:52:41 AM)
Oh my. This opportunity is staggering. Strap a bomb to your chest and give your life for your people, your cause, kill more of them than they kill of you, because you are sick and tired of being oppressed, you are a coward. Sit up in a jet pushing the button that drops bombs on hospitals and schools with relative impunity because you can and do just fly away afterwards, you are a hero. I defy the law and I am afraid to sign my name on government documents. Am I a coward or a hero ? Note that there are compelling circumstances that would impel me to sign such documents. Which am I ? Four dead in Ohio, how many at Tienaman Square ? All cowards I guess because they did not conform. They did not kowtow to the PTB. They are cowards. Those who rape the land and take and take and take are heroes. Happy to be of help with this matter. T

sirsholly -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:56:10 AM)
quote: Pilot who lands his plane on a river - doing his job. this is true. He did his job. But he made my personal hero list when he was the last one on the plane and STILL would not leave, running up and down the aisles of a sinking plane over and over until he was sure all were off. In my mind, a hero is one who achieves the improbable while using a level of courage they did not know they had. My definition of courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of the fear. Is a scientist who, against all odds, discovers a cure for a fatal disease a hero? Not to me, as he used his training and God given abilities to achieve this goal. There was no fear and it took no courage to achieve this goal. Is a pilot, who was probably as frightened as the passengers he saved, a hero when he remained on a sinking plane to make sure all others were safe, even though he knew he might not make it off alive if he ran away from the emergency doors to search the plane one last time? Yes...to me he sure is.

DomImus -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 8:01:26 AM)
If you save the life of someone who would have otherwise perished you are a hero in my book. I don't give a shit what your occupation is.

Termyn8or -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 8:19:59 AM)
Holly, I am pretty sure you're talking about the guy who landed the plane in water a bit outside of NYC last year or so. His plane was defective and they knew it but sent him out anyway despite the odds. He saved their ass, but after all he worked for them. But was he a hero ? If we ask that question in that reaspect, then isn't every fireman a hero ? I corresponded with a fireman a while back. I told him that his kind had more respect from me than cops or maybe even soldiers. He replied that he was not really in the thick, that he worked the valves and pumps or whatever and never went into a burning building to which I replied "You helped them though right ?". Firemen are the closest thing I can think of. They work a 72 hour shift here (Cleveland) and are on call at all times, day or night. They make more money than me, and that is fine, they do more. They get a four day weekend every week and that is fine. All they do at their job is to try to save our lives and our property, despite the fact that they deem it necessary to kick out every door and window in the house. They have their reasons. That is about as close as it comes. I have alot of respect for military personell(sp), and actually the police as well. But a fireman is always welcome here for a decent meal and anything needed. I don't die at work. they do. Though they are paid well, is it worth it ? Of course it is not worth it to die for your job. I think they might actually care. Hey, how about an ex fireman for President ? T

sirsholly -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 8:29:55 AM)
quote: Holly, I am pretty sure you're talking about the guy who landed the plane in water a bit outside of NYC last year or so. His plane was defective and they knew it but sent him out anyway despite the odds. He saved their ass, but after all he worked for them. But was he a hero ? Landing the plane did not score him the hero status in my book, Termy. But staying on the plane, going up and down the aisles as the plane filled with water...that made him a hero to me. Heroism is such a personal thing. DonImus said anyone that saves a life is a hero to him. To me, not so much. That would mean most doctors and nurses. As a nurse, am i a hero because i preformed CPR and restarted a patients heart? Not at all. I did my job. But i recall a traffic accident victim (true story) that did CPR on the driver of the other car until the paramedics arrived. Later it was found out he did the compressions with a broken arm. That was pretty heroic in my opinion.

kiwisub12 -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 8:46:20 AM)
Agree with holly.Doing your job isn't heroic, but going above and beyond is.

pahunkboy -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 10:07:05 AM)
telling the truth- full disclosure is now 2010 a heroic act.

popeye1250 -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 12:02:37 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kiwisub12 Pilot who lands his plane on a river - doing his job. Passengers who ensure a plane bent on hitting the White House crashes - and get killed in the process - hero. Policeman shot and killed while protecting children from mad gunman - doing his job -abet in superb fashion. Man assisting policeman in protecting children from mad gunman - hero. Seems the media claims "hero" for anyone doing their job in a spectacular fashion -which is people doing their job! Its the people who dive into a situation where they have no responsibility and a lot of personal danger that are the heros. But then of course, if the media claimed that someone did their job really well, and tried to make a sound bite that can last for 24 hours, it wouldn't really work well. The media overblows a story (in effect, making a story) to make it sound BIGGER, and more IMPORTANT! Oddly enough, I think a lot of people have become so innured to this technique that they pay little attention to what the media says, assuming that they are having crap blown up their skirts. Kiwi, great points. There was a guy at an American Legion that I belonged to years ago who won the Silver Star in WW2, right up there with the Congressional Medal of Honor. And he never thought of himself as a "hero" he said he, "just did what had to be done at the time." And a few years ago here in Myrtle Beach at the American Legion I had the pleasure and honor to meet a M.O.H. recipient. I have a copy of his citation around here somewhere, if I find it I'll post it in here.

heartcream -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 2:37:44 PM)
I love the word hero. To me a HERO is someone who treats women and children the way that uplifts them and cherishes them enabling them to thrive grow and bloom.

MasterG2kTR -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 2:47:46 PM)
Thru a bit of ironic and uncanny timing, I received the following from a friend in an email today. Before posting it here I did some research to confirm the facts and as far as I can tell it is all true. This is intertwined stories of some real heroes. ======================================================================== You Would Never Have Guessed Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27 ) His death reminded me of the following story. Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4-star generals at Arlington National Cemetery His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences. In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero.. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima There is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor! If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery. Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was Lee Marvin... Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima ..and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded." "Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo , I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison.. That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety.. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life. That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, "Where'd they get you Lee?" "Well Bob.... if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!" Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew. The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo.." On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat After the war Mr.. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life.. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.. America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy. Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.. Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers.

stef -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 2:56:05 PM)
Aside from the fact that Marvin and Keeshan were both Marines and Marvin received a purple heart, most of that is complete horseshit. Rogers never even served in any branch of the military. ~stef

WyldHrt -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 3:10:31 PM)
FR- Snopes is your friend: http://www.snopes.com/military/celebrities/leemarvin.asp

Termyn8or -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 7:08:37 PM)
Now we are arguing over Mr fucking Captain Kangaroo ? Sweet world to leave. T

LafayetteLady -> RE: Hero ? (3/7/2010 9:57:06 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: sirsholly My definition of courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of the fear. I have heard this definition before, and I sadly forgot who originally said it. The truth of the statement though makes who said irrelevant. Today, a lot of our youth look up to sports figures as heros. Silly, really. Yes, many have worked their way out of poverty to fame, but is that really all that heroic? Ok, so they avoided gangs or getting shot. They didn't succumb to dealing drugs or stealing. But heroic? I don't think so. Often people are touted as "heros" because they died doing some magnamous thing. Some are heros, some not so much. The firefighters who went into the towers to help bring people out and died in the process have most definately done a heroic act. But then so did some of the people who refused to leave someone too injured to make it out. They stayed and comforted them so they wouldn't die alone, knowing it would mean their own death. Others did whatever they had to do to help get someone out. We had a lot of heros on 9/11. Most often, when someone who has been called a "hero" is interviewed about what they did, they don't see themselves as having done anything especially heroic. They just did the only thing it ever occurred to them to do. Usually, they didn't feel "fear" when doing it, although I'm sure later, many of them thought about the danger of what they did later. But that is the very thing with "heros." They are people who act instinctively on behalf of another person. It isn't that they aren't thinking of their own safety. It just doesn't occur to them to do anything but to go to the aid of the other person. So frequently in today's society, we see and hear all the time people saying "It's none of my business." It has become almost like a mantra. "Don't get involved," "it's none of your business." Coincidentally, when someone does get involved and makes it their business, we are surprised and we call them a "hero." It isn't just moving forward in spite of fear though. There are heros all over the world, in every city, on every block. They are the people who stand up for what is right, even when they have to stand alone. They have the courage to walk into a burning building, to step in when they see a child being hurt. Hero is another one of those things that is a matter of perspective. Sure, we have "national" heros. But each of us all have our own heros, although we might not really think of them that way. But they are there, the people we know would walk through fire to save a life. Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean much. The story about Lee Marvin and Captain Kangeroo, even though it is false is still a great story. It can be inspiring to believe there are people in this world who will put the lives of others ahead of their own.

DarlingSavage -> RE: Hero ? (3/8/2010 1:52:00 PM)
Heroes

Lucienne -> RE: Hero ? (3/8/2010 2:18:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MasterG2kTR Before posting it here I did some research to confirm the facts and as far as I can tell it is all true. I love that so many of the bullshit email forwards now have something like this line in them. And the sort of people who forward these bullshit emails are still refusing to use google and/or snopes. I laugh, because to fully absorb JUST HOW FUCKING CREDULOUS one has to be to read, believe and forward this nonsense for FUCKING YEARS is to weep for the future of humanity. Seriously. Fucking morons. YOU'RE HURTING AMERICA WITH YOUR WILLFUL REFUSAL TO ENGAGE IN CRITICAL THINKING. yes. I am yelling. sorry. kind of. not really. CUT IT OUT!!

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