I've always thought of a "hero" as someone who made a conscious decision to exhibit bravery, patriotism, loyalty or other virtue in the face of known danger to themselves (usually life-threatening).
Seems the media are now tossing around the term 'hero' rather carelessly.
To understand my point, the soldiers in Iraq would be true heroes. They are voluntarily exposing themselves to know risk for the sake of patriotism or other virtue.
The NYFD at WTC were 'heroes'. They exposed themselves to known danger to try to save others' lives.
The other victims of 9/11 would probably be best characterized as 'martyrs' since risk was thrust on them involuntarily. (Although I'm sure some were true heroes in terms of sacrifices they made to help others).
Just curious, do others think the media are de-valuing the term 'hero'?
Seems the media are now tossing around the term 'hero' rather carelessly.
To understand my point, the soldiers in Iraq would be true heroes. They are voluntarily exposing themselves to know risk for the sake of patriotism or other virtue.
The NYFD at WTC were 'heroes'. They exposed themselves to known danger to try to save others' lives.
The other victims of 9/11 would probably be best characterized as 'martyrs' since risk was thrust on them involuntarily. (Although I'm sure some were true heroes in terms of sacrifices they made to help others).
Just curious, do others think the media are de-valuing the term 'hero'?
