Heroism Defined

Heroism Defined

Dear Editor:

It is a shame that noble words of our language have been cheapened and robbed of their true meaning. Among the most glaring is the contemporary use of the word "hero." The term means, "a man of courage and nobility famed for his military achievements: an illustrious warrior; a man admired for achievements and noble qualities and considered a model or ideal.." (Webster's Third New International Dictionary). Roget lists as synonyms: "brave, valiant, fearless, gallant." Hero conjures up images of soldiers who march into the jaws of death for a noble cause; missionaries risking their lives and health to take salvation to those in heathen darkness; doctors and nurses risking their all to minister to people in deadly epidemics; fire fighters and policemen putting their lives on the line for the protection of others; and other citizens who willingly jeopardize themselves to save others.

A man paid $5 million a year to play a game that kids play for fun is not a hero by the above definition. When athletes brawl, abuse women, fans and drugs, they are not heroes, it matters not how well they play nor how often they win.

The typical doctor, with a plush practice and his exorbitant charges, is no hero. He is a businessman; well paid for his investment and education.

There may have been a time when some reporters were heroes, risking life and limb to expose corruption or champion a righteous cause. Few today make such sacrifices.

In days past many teachers sacrificed greatly to impart knowledge and hope of a better life to poor children. Not many today make such sacrifices.

We have had a few politicians who were true heroes. Surely men like, Washington, Jackson and Lincoln were, but it would be a rare discovery among today's politicians to find a genuine hero, who had risked anything, made any sacrifice or done much for humanity.

The old timers used to say, "Call a spade a spade." Let's reserve the word "hero" for those who have the courage and spirit of self-sacrifice to put their lives on the line for the benefit of others. Jocks can be called champions or winners; doctors, skilled and successful; politicians, shrewd; entertainers, popular. All the above can be called wealthy...but heroes they are not.

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