Friday, November 8, 2013

What is a "hero"?

A reader has suggested that I ask readers of this blog what they think a "hero" is.

At first, I hesitated. It's too easy to get on the backside of a discussion and watch it convert into an argument and personal attacks. But let's give it a shot.

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines "hero" as
- a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability;
- an illustrious warrior
- a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities
- one who shows great courage

- the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work

- the central figure in an event, period, or movement
- an object of extreme admiration and devotion; idol

OK, so what is a hero to you?

4:27PM What a coincidence that I'd write this article this morning and then receive an email from the Northwest Herald about its "Everyday Hero" contest. They think a hero is a softball coach or a Brownie leader or a volunteer or a helper.

No, a "hero" is a special person as defined above. A hero is the cop who dashes up to a burning car and extricates the driver before he burns to death. Don't allow "hero" to be trivialized.

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