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Heroes vs. Celebrities
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1341 Reads
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You would be hard pushed to find an American, who has not been impressed by the success of Hollywoodâs Movie heroes, perhaps most currently was humanitarian and actor Angelina Jolie. And I am certain that she hopes for continued success and influence. Like all Hollywood A listers, society has honoured her with a heroic crown and immense riches. Unlike my home, the UK, it comes as no surprise that screen heroes are awarded positions of power and responsibility and in time will be rewarded even greater accolades; perhaps we shall hear the inauguration of âPresident Will Smithâ or CEO 'Paris Hilton' in the not so distant future. To many, A listers have become living legends. But what I would like to ask, as an Englishman; âis there a difference between a hero and celebrity?â ...
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By the fact that Hollywood, television and sporting stars, for that matter, in award ceremonies, always acknowledge those that helped them achieve; producers, coaches, or partners, suggests their measure; that is, their success is a result of the support of others, yet it also suggests that perhaps our view of heroism needs to change.
What is heroic has been devalued by a world in which we grasp for the most extravagant language possible, we hunger after superlatives, as consumers we want the âbest in the worldâ, âthe greatestâ, âmost beautifulâ; whatever it is, it is a reward for ourselves that elevates our social status âŚeven when one performs the simple act of signing a check in a restaurant often invokes the cry of âgreatâ, as if by signing your own name is an accomplishment- not a simple payment. This kind of celebration is akin to celebrity and not heroism.
It is important to praise people for their accomplishments, vision, and ability. In no way, am I suggesting that our celebrities do not possess great skill, ability or beauty, or provide quality entertainment. However, this does not make them heroic.
Heroism is demonstrated by two quintessential qualities. Firstly, the heroic sacrifice themselves on a personal level in a pioneering attempt of venture towards new frontiers of endeavour, through alleviating suffering to in setting nobler standards for human behaviour. Secondly, they magnify in the rest of us an expanded sense of potentiality, heightening the sense of what we might do, or what we are able to become. In short, inspire a sense of hope and wonder.
Heroes not only open new frontiers in the physical world; but they are pioneers in our imagination. They represent the human capacity to prevail, after taking into account all of the odds. They persevere diligently; tackling challenges, facing their flaws, and despite all that life can throw at them, over come them with grace.
Heroes defend us against our inclination towards depression, anxiety or even boredom. They raise our spirits by raising our sense of hope.
True heroes and heroines are able to do extraordinary things. Yet their heroism has the power to make us believe that we are all capable of being remarkable. Most of us will always remember a teacher or coach who inspired us to conquer our fears and live life to the full. Our admiration for the hero/heroine fuels us with a sense of pride in ourselves and what we can achieve. Sadly these people are rarely represented in the media, or when they are they have token status that is always short lived; it is not long before celebrities lives become the most pressing concern for us to occupy our time.
In a world dominated by multi-national corporations and media saturated images, the traditional sense of heroism is under enormous threat. Our real heroes and heroines are being ignored, even undermined. Society along with the world is losing its respect for greatness, along with the value of authority. Deconstruction, in everything from art and literature, to the notion of the hero â seems like the devaluation of all values, along with the barrage of media hype that surrounds every new celebrity almost quarantines that fame will be here today and gone tomorrow. Their real significance on our lives is shallow and transitory.
Reality T.V. produces interest and intrigue into the lives of everyday people and elevates their status by propagating gossip about them and their potential romantic liaisons. It helps feed this constant obsession with consuming celebrityâs lives. Here and over the pond, our appetite for celebrities seems to be insatiable, more accurately, obsessive. If it were a physical manifestation it would look like obesity. Which suggests that something is unbalanced.
Perhaps with the oversupply of promoted celebrities means that we are turning away from the worship of public idols, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. However, are we choosing the right heroes to celebrate? Imagine the courage it takes a blind person to struggle across the road. Not to mention the schoolteacher who tries to inspire their children everyday in order to see their pupils overcome the obstacles of learning and fulfil their potential. Doesnât that far outweigh the trials and tribulations of fame and fortune? Heroism perhaps needs to be redefined. New, more personal, more internal frontiers are being opened up â in the field of relationships, especially- and they demand a new kind of hero.
Does Paris Hiltonâs actions exemplify heroism? There is not doubt that she is âhotâ, but what has she done to inspire hope, to show how the human spirit can overcome adversity? What puzzles me is what about those who battle against ignorance, prejudice, or apathy? Single mothers who manage to raise families and hold down full-time jobs, fathers who work all the hours they can to feed their children and doctors and nurses who work to keep our families alive. Not to mention those who have to confront illness, disease and disability. Unlike, my home, the United Kingdom, this nation was built on courage, strength and determination of those who have provided us with warmth, shelter, food, love, and helped all of us to overcome illness. Take time to stop and stare. Everyone has a purpose here and look around you and ask yourself about how people have overcome adversity, and I am certain you will find heroes all around you. Please donât forget to appreciate the heroism displayed by the people of this nation, not just the celebrities.
Mark Whelan
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/LettersfromAbroad
http://www.literaryclinic.com
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| Posted by: Mark_Whelan on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 12:11 PM
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