When Did Becoming A Hero Become So Easy?

It’s inevitable that over time, how we define certain things evolve. With so many people in this world, different viewpoints, and a growing number of channels with which to share them, it’s expected. But dammit…when did becoming a hero become so easy?

I got pulled into the recent TNT show hosted by The Rock of course called The Hero. It was your standard reality show fare, less “reality” and more artificially created drama. But still somewhat entertaining for what it was. But I couldn’t help but cringe every time The Rock would cue up the dramatic slow music and talk about what makes a hero. Don’t get me wrong, I love The Rock. He’s a fantastic action star that I love to watch, but even he had to be drinking the Kool Aid a bit to get through this show. Watching the contestants babble on about how heroic they were taking on all these physical challenges, and turning down money. Ugh. I think some of them actually believed it.

Then we have the growingly popular Go Pro wearable cameras. You know the ones that you can attach to parts of your body while you take on the world so you can film it for everyone else to see. It’s cool tech, no doubt. However their tagline? “Be a HERO.”

These people that are jumping off of buildings, mountains, taking on extreme challenges? I’m sorry, that’s not heroic. It’s brave, courageous, gutsy…but it doesn’t make you a hero. Of course I know there are always exceptions to the rule. If you jump off a cliff and take on your fear of heights and inspire others to do the same, okay, you can make an argument in that case. I’m speaking generally here. I’m talking about how the media and society so easily label people as heroes that don’t warrant it.

Firefighters are heroes. Police Officers are heroes. Great teachers who make a positive influence in kids’ lives are heroes. People are heroic in how they positively impact, influence and make the world a better place for others.

So apologies to The Rock and GoPro. Jumping off shit doesn’t automatically make you a hero.