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Heroes: Who Are They? Where are They?

"True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat" (1769-1821) Napoleon Bonaparte. French general.

When we were small, it was easy to find a hero - they were around almost every corner and usually were either someone we idolized, or wished to emulate. Often, they were a parent, an older sibling, a grandparent, a neighbor, a family friend.

We were still at the age where fantasy merged with reality; we believed in super heroes. Television, book, and even cartoon characters, were real to us.

As we transitioned into our preteens, we realized that some of the people we formerly idolized were only human too. They had faults, they didn't know everything, and they couldn't fix everything. Worst of all, good didn't always prevail against evil.

We began to look further away than the proximity of our home and neighborhood. Perhaps, we even looked more at the exciting and unique traits the person had and put their "character" on hold. Rock stars, politicians, religious leaders, athletes, poets, and teachers were who we turned to.

Then we found out rock stars and athletes did drugs, religious leaders and teachers molested our children, politicians lied to us and cheated on their wives, and poets survived in a dream that lived only in their minds and on paper.

Some of our heroes were assassinated: Martin Luther King, JFK, Bobby Kennedy, John Lennon.

Is it possible to have heroes in today's world?

Who were your heroes as a child? As a teen?

Who are your heroes now? What characteristics must they have?

"The ordinary man is involved in action, the hero acts. An immense difference" Henry Miller (1891-1980) American author.

By Ronda Miller

October 1, 2008

At Random

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

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Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.

1 October 2008
at 1:31 p.m.

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rikkiends (Anonymous) says…

Jon Stewart. That's pretty much it. ;-)
1 October 2008
at 2:52 p.m.

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tvc (Anonymous) says…

We don't need another hero…
1 October 2008
at 2:55 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

rikki, I am assuming a certain amount of truth to the above listing of Jon Stewart. Is it because you think he says what he thinks, or some other reason? Just curious.

And how has your position on heroes changed throughout your lifetime? Is there anything Jon could do that would bump hm off of your hero list? What would/could that be? A hero with a twist! Who knew….
1 October 2008
at 3:17 p.m.

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bad_dog (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, many of the people found at this link (I know, I know-CNN…) are people I would consider heroes. They are virtually all normal everyday people that do wonderful things to enhance and change the lives of others for the better.

I think you'll especially appreciate stories like that of Shada Nasser who operates in an extremely dangerous and challenging environment. Wow!

I could only hope to achieve a small percentage of the good these people have accomplished.

http://www.cnn.com/specials/2008/cnn….
1 October 2008
at 3:18 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

The real heros? Are the hard working folks that bust their hump everyday to provide for their families..the ones that come home from work and then go to soccer or baseball practice because they're the coach…and raise their children with some sense of moral compass. Movie stars and athletes are nothing more than window dressing in life..they're not even real. Give me the guy that worked 10 or 12 hours a day, six days a week so he could provide a decent life for his kids and get them to college..that's a hero.
1 October 2008
at 3:49 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

bad_dog and autie. I agree with both of you. I think that a lot of “common” people that we pass each and every day on the street are heros.

bad_dog, I have some heroes that are actually on CNN. I think Anderson Cooper is a hero to a lot of people. He, and others on his team, believed strongly enough about the horrors that they encountered in New Orleans that they reported it. I believe several reporters who risk their lives each and every day in order to show what the truth is in Iraq, New Orleans, etc., are certainly heroes.

Now autie, some will argue that the person you are saying is a hero is actually just doing the job they should have been doing all along as a parent, but it is less common it seems these days to see that type of person.
1 October 2008
at 4:56 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, I'm so glad you BLOG'd this topic. You know, there was a time, not all that long ago, when *you* were my heroin(e), for a public stance you took on life. ( And I hope the basis for that position isn't some “thumpable” source. ) But we have more pressing issues, now… American lives remaining the balance… a financial crisis which threatens to further undo those who already must live with less.

And, while this political season might recall some of those “heroes” of history, I'd like to start not-so-small with some (un)common heroes…

Lenny Skutnik…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5nTuE…

( and Arland Williams. )

“Greater love hath no man than this….”
1 October 2008
at 5:11 p.m.

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jaywalker (Anonymous) says…

I had posters of Earl Campbell and Tony Dorsett on my wall as a kid but never considered them my 'heroes'. My father has always been my hero; career military man, two tours in Vietnam, shot down twice, made a home for three adopted children, never wanted for anything even when times were tough drinking powdered milk and wearing home-sewn clothes, phenomenal and diverse upbringing, instilled solid core values and thirst for knowledge in me that has helped me excel in nearly every endeavor I've undertook- and all credit is due to him. My Pop is my Superman.
1 October 2008
at 5:30 p.m.

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eileenroddy (Eileen Roddy) says…

Ronda, This is another interesting topic.
Is the word “hero” used to include women? In Ireland we used the word specifically for the male, and then “heroine” for the female, but maybe we were outdated.
Most of the people I admired, and still do, are women who continue to go beyond themselves to make things better for others. These women often do things “outside the box.”
I think of all those involved in getting us the vote, those who went into predominantly male fields of study/work etc. and paved the way for the rest of us.
The interesting question is: does being heroic mean being flawless or does it mean we acknowledge and accept our flaws and still rise above them?
For me, heroism is about courage in moving beyond our fears and failures, whatever they are, and pushing the boundaries in order to improve our world for the benefit of all.
1 October 2008
at 5:41 p.m.

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Pleiku (Anonymous) says…

Hey Jaywalker…do me a favor. Next time to talk to your Dad tell him “Welcome Home” from me. He is, indeed, a hero.
1 October 2008
at 5:43 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

tange, I am surprised to find you on this post - I had no idea you had an interest in heroes! I loved the link you shared with us and agree that all of the men who risked their own lives that day were heroic. One split second is all it takes to see who steps up to the plate. How about the men and women who stopped the plane jackers during the other 911 attacks? Sure, they knew they were going to die anyway, but they still acted to save other lives.

jaywalker, if your father is still alive, I hope you will share what you just wrote with him. I am awe inspired by him and don't even know him. You are such a lucky person and I am sure his life has not only touched yours in such a positive manner, but changed many, many lives for the better. Thank you.

eileen, it has become pretty common here in the states to not have to make the distinction between men and women - well, at least in my mind. Actor now stands for actress as well - rather all inclusive words. Yes, we are talking about anyone who has been a hero in your eyes. No one is without flaws, it is as you say how we move beyond the flaws, what we do with the struggles that we were either born with or dealt in life's journey that show who the heroes really are. Good response as usual, Eileen.
1 October 2008
at 5:47 p.m.

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bndairdundat (Anonymous) says…

Wiley Coyote'
1 October 2008
at 5:57 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I loved him too, but I thought Popeye was tops until I was around five…..
1 October 2008
at 6:12 p.m.

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jaywalker (Anonymous) says…

Sincere thanks for both your sentiments', Pleiku and Ronda.
Yes, he's still very much alive and lives with my mom (high school sweethearts, if you can believe that!) in a log cabin house on 5 acres with a pond just an hour or so north of me. I only gave you a snippet of what the man has done, here's a little more….
After 27 years in retired as an LTC.; became municipal authority manager of a small Pa. town, then back to his hometown where he was the water authority manager. Retired (sorta - not really) 5 years ago and gave my mom sole discretion as to where to spend golden years as reward for traveling 'round the world and being an Army wife; is a member of Homeland Security for last 4 years as member of Coast Guard Auxiliary (patrols lakes in SC); recently honored by Sec. of Army as leading SE rep for Freedom Team Salute (honors veterans' service); is currently going through process to become trainer for elite military prep program (implement and stage war/disaster/crisis scenarios for training of personnel); an avid hunter and fisherman, and they have a fantastic garden they work nearly year round with the best darn blueberries and cantaloupe you'd ever taste! Seriously, if you've never had real, fresh, home-grown cantaloupe you've never tasted how good it actually is!

I've always said that if I could become half the man my father is I'd consider myself successful. I don't think I stand a chance, though.
1 October 2008
at 6:52 p.m.

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teachandlearn (Anonymous) says…

My mother is my hero! She is passionate and has always sacrificed herself for her children and grandchildren. She went back to school while working full time after divorcing my father in order to provide for us. She has never given up regardless of what is been put in front of her. She is in the helping profession and has instilled those beliefs in me. Not only is she my mother, but she is my best friend.
1 October 2008
at 8:43 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Ronda: “tange, I am surprised to find you on this post - I had no idea you had an interest in heroes!”

I don't know what came over me. I had been thinking about you… about your recent step from the closet, boarding that flight from Alaska to Arizona, as it were… when I found images from that video footage, all those years ago, intruding into my consciousness… Priscilla Tirado floundering in the icy river….

ANYWAY, with only scant memories of the documentary seen toooo many years ago, it took me a bit to find it, and I was pleased to see that it had been preserved online. I didn't even know Lenny's name when I went looking for it-I won't forget it now.

In this age of “better ye than me” in which responsibility-let alone acts heroic action-is so diffused that a woman can be raped, even killed, in the midst of a crowd, Lenny Skutnik stands apart.

The segment I linked was the final of four parts. Bystanders had watched for some time as the hapless survivors of the plane crash struggled, unable to help themselves, having succumbed to the icy bath into which they had plunged.

Even when it appeared that it might all be over for Priscilla, it wasn't one of the highly trained professionals who sized up and responded to the unfolding tragedy. It was Lenny… seemingly unable to simply stand by and watch someone perish, even if it meant immersing himself in that very peril which already had proven overwhelming to those caught within it.
1 October 2008
at 8:46 p.m.

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Pogo (Anonymous) says…

“Heros” ain't nothing but a sandwich.

Again, Ms. Miller, take off the rose colored glasses…..of course if you're wealthy, that won't matter…….
1 October 2008
at 8:52 p.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

Heros are for surrender monkeys…

Save you own donkey.
1 October 2008
at 8:57 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

RET: “Save you own donkey.”

What the world needs… another ass.
1 October 2008
at 10:03 p.m.

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denak (Anonymous) says…

To me, a real hero is someone who does something extrodinary, at great peril to his or herself.

I don't consider the police, firemen, or those in the military heros although they can and do do heroic things. They are doing their job. I am thankful that they do those jobs but that is what they are suppose to do.

I, also, do not consider the parent that works their rear off to provide for their children heroic. That is what they are suppose to do as parents. I'm not saying what they did isn't admirable and worthy of respect, it is but, by my definition it isn't heroic.

The person who runs into a burning building to save another human beings life is a hero. A person who goes out of his or her way to help or save a person is a hero. The person who stays behind while other hostages are set free is a hero. The person who wades into raging water to rescue a child, is a hero.

The person who puts his or her life on the line not because he are paid to do it, not because that is what is expected of her, but because it is the right thing to do. That is a hero in my book.

Dena
1 October 2008
at 10:19 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

There's another sort of heroism which again confronts us… I had a brush with it, just over a week ago. I'd been reading the comments for an ljw article titled: “Gone but not forgotten” ( I hadn't read the article, but, then again, I haven't read this one, either ) .

soldiers_are_fools had made some off-color remarks and was roundly being kicked for it. I had resolved that I, too, would kick soldiers_are_fools, just for good measure, and then go on to *develop* some of his nonPeeCee comments.

But then I had flashbacks of my Jana- posts and decided it better to actually read the article before I opened my big fingertips. I set aside the lengthy excerpt from the article to which I had planned to respond, and I read, instead.

By the time I got to the end of the article, though, I found myself reading the concluding words through the tears of a mother.

And I trimmed my excerpt to what was essential.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/sep…

And I punctuated it.

( … the intended message to await another day. )
1 October 2008
at 10:25 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Oh… and, Ronda… I lied. I read your contribution.

Thanks for taking the time to assemble a thoughtful… *spring*board… on the eve of this, our winter of discontent.
1 October 2008
at 11:42 p.m.

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PosseComitatus (Anonymous) says…

Hero to me is almost an absolute, so high and narrow of a perch that no one can stay balanced there for long. Winds of change come and go to either change my course or empty the perch.

I often find myself reflecting on the founding fathers of our country who risked everything to be free.
2 October 2008
at 7:39 a.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

Hero…
Okay, I'm going to make a try at expressing a thought not fully formed.

I think for myself from a Christian perspective: there is a danger with hero. The danger being a form of idolatry.

The hero would become an object of worship or preoccupation that would distract from the only one that should be worshipped.

That also being said we should remember those that display the qualities worthy of emulation, while remembering the one that we should be following.

Of thing many of the posters have given credit to those that deserve it.

Just my opinion.
2 October 2008
at 8:46 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

jay, It is stories such as yours that give inspiration and hope and courage to the rest of us to be better parents, friends, neighbors, and citizens. You are a lucky, lucky person to have had such a father and role model in your life - I suspect you are more than half the man he was and a continued legacy to his wonderful spirit. Tell him we love him too!

tange, I appreciate that you took the time to find the link to share with us (on both counts). Heroes come in all shapes and sizes - sometimes with wings like angels, sometimes in the darkest hours of our personal night. Sometimes it can be a small act that changes millions, or a huge act that touches one. Humans do not always equate to humane.

teach, once again I thank you for allowing us to share someone who was so important not only in your life, but a wonderful role model for all who know her and have been touched by her giving spirit and suriviving nature.

denak, I agree that the people you name are paid to do a job that is often one of a dangerous position, but I think a lot of the people you name do qualify as “heroes”. Many of them put themselves in a life giving situation each and every day at the expense of their own family. We have seen the ones who go above and beyond the call of duty or a paycheck so many times. 911 comes immediately to mind, as does New Orleans, plane wrecks such as the one named by tange, etc.

posse, thoughtful comment. Once a hero, always a hero? Maybe not. Any heroes come to mind who have fallen from the perch you wish to name? I think this can easily happen to those in the public eye. Does their “fall” discount all else they did? Should it?

reading, I appreciate what you are saying and after giving it some thought, I agree that can be a danger. I also think that what we sometimes perceive as “hero” material is gut instinctual reaction by some people - through the grace of God, his spirt acting through the vessel of the person?
2 October 2008
at 6:28 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Ronda: “Heroes come in all shapes and sizes - sometimes with wings like angels, sometimes in the darkest hours of our personal night. Sometimes it can be a small act that changes millions, or a huge act that touches one.”

You know, Ronda, there are moments when I think you and I might actually be *soulmates*.

8-)

… naaaaahhh.
2 October 2008
at 7:55 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Spent all my time defending the unborn, tonight.
Girl fight imminent.
The heroes can wait ( after all, they're *heroes* ) .
In the meantime, this is worth replaying…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYjBQK…

… “cause we're lovers… and that is that.”
2 October 2008
at 8:47 p.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

“reading, I appreciate what you are saying and after giving it some thought, I agree that can be a danger. I also think that what we sometimes perceive as “hero” material is gut instinctual reaction by some people - through the grace of God, his spirt acting through the vessel of the person?”

Like I said half formed…. or a quarter. Maybe I'll give it some thought, but right now I'm having too much fun fighting with Tra in another thread.

Tra, would you like me to leave so you too can be alone?
2 October 2008
at 9:26 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Something I'm learning about traditional KS heroes.

I'm very surprised to hear the many life long Rebublican's down here, who can't stand the lies coming from the Republican candidates. They have switched over.

Amazing to hear.

Not that they like Obama..it's just that McCain and Palin have burned any trust or faith they had in them.
I think Biden is holding their hopes..not Obama.
3 October 2008
at 9:16 a.m.

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rachaelisacancer (Anonymous) says…

Amy Goodman and Wangari Mattai
3 October 2008
at 9:49 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Interesting choices, rachael. Thank you!

tange, I love that link. I think we need to do a Bowie Interactive Song Title game. Thanks for taking me down memory lane - it was a nice direction.

multi, hey you! How nice to see you on here. Hope all is well in re pub lic can…….land…..
3 October 2008
at 5:33 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Ronda: “Hope all is well in re pub lic can::.land:..

You *had* to parse that word, didn't you?
… to avoid the inevitable repercussions… eh?

Listen… I can hear your name being (re)called from the closet.
It's that pantsuit you left buried in the corner.
3 October 2008
at 7:01 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

tange, they have all been burned….. It was my sure way to never go back….
3 October 2008
at 9:27 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

You could still go “black” … you know what they say….
4 October 2008
at 11:06 a.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

My apologies for not having contributed more to this BLOG, lately, but all my sub-heroic endeavors have sapped the energies required to do it justice. So, I'll pose a question, instead. Over the past year, or so, there was a story circulating about some individual who'd made a fortune in real estate? … housing? … as an architect? ( I don't recall ) but who had donated his fortune, opting for a humble abode. I think he was quoted as saying…

“No one should have seven houses, before everybody has one house.”

( Of course, in this political season, I may have mis-recalled that quote. )

Does anyone know the name of this *hero*?
4 October 2008
at 2:03 p.m.

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Buggie7 (Anonymous) says…

My Daddy….My hero
4 October 2008
at 2:05 p.m.

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Buggie7 (Anonymous) says…

Im 38 and he always has been and now that he is gone he still always will be.
4 October 2008
at 10:20 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Buggie7, I am glad you had a hero in your life - some people never do. I also appreciate that you are willing to share with us that it was your father. I hope if you are a parent that you will have the same wonderful legacy to leave your own children - or other children and people you come in contact with. :)
4 October 2008
at 10:23 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

tange, that was quite a “nasty” little hero recall on your part. You are a bad, bad, tange - but fun enough that I forgive you.

It doesn't bother me that some people have more than one house - maybe they worked harder for them and maybe they inherited it (maybe even married in to it). It is the American way and that has always been one of the main reasons that so many people from other countries wanted to come to this land of opportunities. So, tange, who is your hero now….. :)
4 October 2008
at 11:54 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Ronda: “So, tange, who is your hero now:.. :)”

Well, I have placed *you* on a sliding scale, consistent with that
slippery slope on which you've been dancing, of late.
5 October 2008
at 7:34 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

How low can I go? Let me know if I fall off the scale so I can try to wriggle my way back on…. or is that fast talk my way back on?
5 October 2008
at 9:47 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

You do seem to do a pretty good job of weathering the BLOG blows… bordering on *heroic*, I might add, if not for the recent bouts of meanness…

,;-D

… but that's OK… because you… “you can be mean”
and I… “I'll drink all the time….”

hey, I think I may have happened onto *our* song…
do you suppose it's a “swan?”
5 October 2008
at 10:01 p.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

Okay, I'm going to drive lot's and lots of of traffic to your blog. My hero is:

(Drum-roll, please)

President Bush

Commence tomato-tossage.
5 October 2008
at 10:45 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

OK, RS, with THAT post, you actually qualify for the label of “jackass”

,;-D

( oh, I feel so much better )
6 October 2008
at 8:36 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

tange, show some respect to your fellow posters please. And carry on with the allowing me to be mean while you use that as an excuse to drink….now that is funny stuff! Get thee to my SNL blog and throw some of that action in.

reading, great one!
6 October 2008
at 10:03 a.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

Tra,
Being in therapy, I charge by the hour, glad it was effective though. It's all for you, man.

You can send my fee here: http://www.worldvision.org/
6 October 2008
at 6:17 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

RS: “Being in therapy… by the hour… was effective though…, man.

Whoa, glad that regimen worked out for you.

,;-)
6 October 2008
at 6:53 p.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

Ah, tra, so I see that you're not playing fair again.

Numbers 22:28 Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
6 October 2008
at 7:16 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

RS: “Numbers 22:28

Ah, I can see the improvement already!
Yes… numbers… 22… 28.
I see you've expressed them as a ratio. Excellent!

RS: “Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

OK… um… talking animals… hmm….

Well, at least you're doing better with your numbers!
6 October 2008
at 7:28 p.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

Hey, at least, I'm not stupid and insane anymore.
Although, it is a dumb animal.
6 October 2008
at 8:33 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

RS: “Although, it is a dumb animal.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X4N1l…
7 October 2008
at 8:51 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

And if only Francis would give me some - intelligence. Thanks for the tange. I believe Francis could be a hero to many.

Are we off topic?