We Need to Stop The "Hero" Crap.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on April 10, 2009 at 11:28pm

This reply of yours specifically reminds me of the Budweiser ads on the radio in my area, "Real American Hero". It was a parody of guys who invented things like the t-shirt shooter at ball games, the big screen proposer at sporting events and so on. (I don't know how far reaching these ads are.) But, after 9-11, they changed the title to "Real Men of Genius" to avoid any references to "hero" because the context in which they were using the word was not a real "hero". They said they changed it because they believed the real heros were the firefighters and military men.

Sorry, a little off topic, but it just came to my mind. Great post and responses.

I'm just glad they got rid of Rescue 911 a long time ago with William Shatner.

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on April 10, 2009 at 7:00am

I discussed the 'hero' thing today with one of my sisters. We like to talk. I once had issue with her use of the word, when she said 'what a hero' about a man who had survived the collapse of a mine - he and one other were rescued. In English, she wasn't wrong, she was using the word in the form of 'a man who is admired for any quality'. To me that man wasn't a hero, he was very fortunate, very lucky. I was happy to see the two men come out of the mine.

For me, the word 'hero' has always been allied to the word 'heroic'. Actions that went beyond what could be expected, beyond the norm. A person who runs a race in a very fast time is not, to me, a hero. That person is simply a very good runner. For me the same applies to anyone who excels in any sport. Hardly heroic. Now if a person is given an award for gallantry, something like the Victoria Cross, the George Cross, the Medal of Honor, whatever high award might be given in their country, then that person may be called a hero - though I would never use the word to his of her face.

Somebody above referred to his heroes being people such as school bus drivers, teachers and janitors. To me they are simply people doing their job; nothing heroic. Many people talk about being or wanting to be a hero to their children. I very much doubt that my sons would ever call me a 'hero'! I'm their dad, I'm the man who tried his best to teach them right from wrong, who tried to help them with whatever the were attempting, who tried to become their friend. As dt said, that's parenting. Hardly heroic.

Me? I'm a dad, not a hero. I'm a firefighter, not a hero.

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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on April 10, 2009 at 10:11am

We have seen several different views of the term "hero". Most agree that it is description that they would rather not use to describe themselves. We accept that others might use it to describe us.
Well, I just posted a blog that speaks to brother/sisterhood. And I would like your thoughts on that as well.
This continues to be an excellent example of respectful discussion.
My hat is off to everyone involved.
Please check this out: http://www.firefighternation.com/profiles/blogs/brothersisterhood-i...

TCSS.
Art

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Cole on April 10, 2009 at 3:54pm

When firefighters do something in the line of duty that is with extreme risk and results in a positve outcome, or at least an effort to save human life...it should be considered as exceptional conduct in the course of duty.
However when we sign up for the job, so to speak, we should have had some idea that times would require us to take risks. Heros?

That's something the media throws on us, and it's a word used when the politicians want to stroke us. Back immediately after 9/11 every politician wanted to have a campaign photo either with a firefighter in it, shaking hands, or said politican wearing a helmet to symbolize unity with the good guys and girls.

It was all so very short lived. Now many of us are considered as a drain on the taxpayer who may actually perform some trype of fire-related duty infrequently.

Our US Soldiers are heros. Ordinary citizens who take extreme risks to save life are heros. Knocking on doors of apartments during a fire and waking people up is not heroism either. But either is some multi-million dollar sports figure when they make that winning catch. THAT is the perhaps as gross a misuse of the word as there is.

Firefighters perform a duty, a service that many don't want to, or can't for whatever reason. But personally I cannot stand the word hero when applied to our efforts.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on April 10, 2009 at 11:19pm

Art,

All it takes is a large dose of "Hero Immodium".

Ben

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on April 10, 2009 at 11:29pm

Awesome!

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Permalink Reply by Feisty on April 12, 2009 at 12:59pm

I here what you are saying and understand... Thank you for your input.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Teel on April 12, 2009 at 7:19pm

A firefighter is not a hero. Firefighting isn't heroic, it's just another everyday job, only this job our lives, and someone else's life and property are at stake. We fight what others fear it's as simple as that. I didn't join the department just so someone can call me a hero or being told that what I do is heroic. I became a firefighter to save lives and property.

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Permalink Reply by RCFD619 on April 12, 2009 at 10:27pm

I totally agree with you. I don't see myself as a hero, actually I find it humorous when people say that. The heros, in my eyes are Joseph Agnello, Brian Ahearn, Eric Allen, Richard Allen, Cpt. James Amato, Calixto Anaya Jr., along with the rest of the 343 that gave it all on 9/11 as well as any other brothers that have fallen just trying to help others. I will never hesitate at the door, just as these fine gentalmen didn't. Just my 2 cents, take it or leave it.

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Permalink Reply by L. Warnke on April 13, 2009 at 3:45am

really interesting, but i think, this can not be associated with the attiude of heroism, which goes around.
this is just sick and too extreme.
a lot of people are expressing their way of "heroism" in different ways. in my opinion you have to distinguish here.
greets from germany

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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on April 13, 2009 at 4:40pm

Two fallen brothers in Houston.
Captain Richard Phillips is rescued.
Navy Seals take out three bad guys.
W. Virginia firefighter admits to setting fire that severely injured another firefighter.
Heroes and a zero.

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Permalink Reply by Jake Fireman on April 13, 2009 at 4:43pm

Couldnt say it better Chief

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