Although this election cycle has produced many issues, one that I've been thinking about since the 40th anniversary of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King's assassination has been the notion of the hero. Witnessing the tragedy and the corruption of the Bush years, I find that heroes are in short supply.
And although a lot of lip service is spent in the media about what makes a hero and what doesn't, I find that the people who have real courage are often overlooked while those who have little to no merits to be one are lauded and celebrated. It is enough to make someone ill by the way the network and cable news outlets vomit out who is a hero every other day.
It's getting to the point that the notion of the hero is getting meaningless. Believe me, I don't want to see it that way. I desperately want someone in public life that I can admire without feeling let down.
The latest point of contention is the bestowing of such laurel leaves on Republican Nominee John McCain. A lot has been discussed in terms of where this man has been a hero or not, but the controversy here is whether he even deserves such a title despite his questionable choices in his career, most namely his treatment of torture, civil rights and the military.
A hero, in my book, is someone who stands up for the greater good. He or she speaks out and sacrifices his or her comfort and social standing even so that there is justice for the future citizenry. To make a long story short, that person must put their ass on the line without it being self-serving. In their campaign to make something right for society, they do not worry about what this means for themselves (like a Nobel Peace Prize or any other award). Their actions have some meaning for others to reflect upon as moments of courage and strength in the face of opposition.
When someone does a heroic deed, they do not mention it over and over ad nauseum. Their actions speak louder than words. The act, in my book, should humble them. It doesn't mean that the person is perfect. They demonstrate in their humanity that they can learn from their mistakes and ascend from them for the greater good. A decent guy or gal could be anyone. But if they are simply that, doesn't make them a hero.
The question then, is Mr. McCain truly a hero in light of this? There will be people who will argue that he is one for his time as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton. A lot of talk will focus on his suffering during his time there. But what did he learn from it? Did he become more sensitive to those who are tortured, such as in Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo Bay? Does he care for his fellow POW's? Did he care for the veterans of other wars? Does he have high principles in which he developed at a his own personal cost?
So the next time the MSM loosely throws around the issue of the hero, think deeply what makes one in your book. It's not as simple as you think.
--politicalceci
P.S. Thank you everyone for your rec's and comments on the "Homeland" diary. I am gratified and thankful for your response. I also appreciate your suggestions. Keep the feedback coming! :)