(ThyBlackMan.com) In prior decades heroes had names like Shirley Chisholm and Jackie Robinson; now it’s anyone who dies or becomes a social media sensation. How bizarre is that?
According to Webster’s Collegiate dictionary, a hero is someone who displays fortitude, boldness, and exceptional courage, in times of war or danger. Through the power of social media and other influential hijinks, we are bombarded with heroism. But is it real? And has it reached the point where the word applies to anyone who makes headlines or dies under tragic conditions?
I first noticed the trend in 2003, when a gang leader with a penchant for old cars and pistachio nuts was given a funeral rivaling that of a soldier returning from war. During the service, hand-picked mourners spoke about his heroism regarding family, friends and his beloved pit bull, Violet.
The gang leader’s death was imminent, but what prompted the hero status? Did he die trying to save lives? No. Was he part of a military regime whose job was to protect civilians? No. As a gang leader, he was participating in a shootout that was part of his job performance. So, cut the hero crap!
Heroism On Display
In the social media era, when people die or do something unexpected, we often wonder why they get the hero treatment. I posed that question to my home-skillet Autry Benton, and was stunned by the response. Known locally as the Sultan of Philosophical Mishmash, Autry thinks Americans are so obsessed with heroes; they are happy to make one out of every Kevin, Lamar, and Becky. And who can argue with that?
Now that we have established a criteria, let’s look at a real hero, the late John McCain. Captured by the North Vietnamese and held as a prisoner of war for 5 ½ years, he refused to let his captors break him. Instead, he fought to survive, despite constant beatings and lying in his own waste, drenched with fever. Finally, in 1973 McCain was released.
Thinking, I was justified in making McCain the focus of this commentary; a co-worker thought it was a bad idea. His observation was based on the fact, that despite standing up for Barack Obama when he was called an Arab during the 2008 campaign, McCain didn’t have a good relationship with the Black community.
According to my co-worker:
* McCain voted against a bill to make Martin Luther King’s birthday, a national holiday. Despite the no vote, the third Monday in January was officially declared MLK Day on November 3, 1983.
* During the 2000 campaign, the Panama native voiced his support for keeping the Confederate flag flying atop the statehouse in South Carolina. Years later, McCain apologized and said his reason for supporting the flag was “to get votes.”
Fueled by adrenaline, I told the co-worker I was aware of McCain’s policy regarding people of color. And noted that as a woman whose uncle was killed in Vietnam, 13 days before his 21st birthday. The hero status was based on his military service, not his political record. Cue the sound bar!
Hero Shakedown
With hero pandering on the rise, experts predict a string of misleading sightings. Does that mean Kanye West is the official hero for folks who find odd behavior and sucking up to White folks stimulating?
Does that mean Omarosa Manigault-Newman, is the new heroine for Trump loving sistahs, who discover all too quickly that Republican loyalty, can’t shield them from racism? And despite a bold effort to reclaim her heritage, Omarosa’s black card has been permanently revoked. Hear that Rosa?
So, when does this debacle end? When Ben Carson becomes the hero for color-blind Black men eager to embrace their whiteness? Like anyone, I admire heroes and marvel at their accomplishments. But, before calling someone a hero or heroine, make sure the title is based on real courage and not circumstances created by unusual conditions and social media sensationalism.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/world/americas/04iht-04mccain-king.11684697.html
https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/McCain-Says-He-Lied-About-Stand-on-Confederate-2763428.php
Staff Writer; Peggy S. Butler
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