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Hello, Something I said this morning on air really upset me. I was very disappointed in myself. I read a script that called two athletes heroes! I did not mean to say that because they are not. I think they possess heroic qualities of commitment and determination and can inspire us to greater things in ourselves, but they are not heroes themselves. When I anchored in San Diego, Dale Earnhardt was tragically killed on the track. My co-anchor kept calling him a hero. While it was terribly sad that he died, he is not a hero. Later that year, it was 9-11. Americans (whether we knew it or not) started thinking more before calling someone a hero. We reserved it for people like firefighters and our men and women in the military. I was watching the Olympics where athletes from Russia and Georgia hugged on the podium. Again, while I was touched by that, they are not heroes. Do you believe tossing a football or swimming laps in a pool measure up to running into a burning building or into a war zone? Thank you for visiting. Christine
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Posted by: chris Location: tampa
jackie robinson was a hero but not because he's an athlete. rachel, it's sad that you're insulted that we don't think you're a hero simply because you play a game. Ad what about all the negative impact the sports "heroes" have had on kids: drugs, illegal gambling, adultery, etc. hero - someone who commits a selfless act, above what the average person would do. Period. Posted by: Anonymous As a career firefighter I don't consider myself a hero. I just do what I been trained to do using the gear designed to protect me. When I think of a hero the one person that always comes to mind is the gentleman that jumped into the frozen Potomac River to save the lady who was blinded by jet fuel after the 737 Air Florida flight 90 crash of 1982. He didn’t have cold water gear, floatation devices or as far as I know any water rescue training. He was just a man who saw somebody in danger and without regard for himself acted and saved a life. That is how HERO should be defined. Posted by: SRG Location: Madison I think heros should not now or ever be considered heros, unless they actually run into a burning building. As for anyone listing the Brett Favre is a hero, let it go and grow up, he's just as bad as Micheal Vick and a boat full of Vikings. Posted by: Rachel Location: CA I would have to say I disagree with you on this. Being an athlete my entire life has shown me a different perspective of heroes. The definition of a hero is "a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities." Now while I certainly agree that the media over-uses this word, it is very wrong to say that athletes in general are not heroes. What about the impact they have on young children? They have responsibilites to make a good impression for kids. Many athletes today fail that, but there are still so many good athletes out there that have qualities of commitment and determination. Athletes inspire people everyday, they have physical abilities that everyday people do not. Is that not what a hero does? I am very insulted to be honest that you claim they are not heroes. There are many different kinds of heroes, you cannot say on any level that if you save lives or fight wars that makes you a hero only. You could not be more wrong. Posted by: joey Location: huttonside cliff hearn Christine....wth? wat bout jackie robinson, or Terry Fox? , Jesse owens they ARE heroes Posted by: Gagandeep I agree with Christine athletes are not even close to being heroes. Posted by: ekamjot I agree with you! Posted by: lacie Location: nm we are doing a debate in class asking if athletes are heroes. We are cons. What do you have to say? Please e-mail soon at lacienewlon@yahoo.com Posted by: Kristin Location: Madison What about Jackie Robinson? Posted by: Gary Location: Beloit The GM shutdown is a bad thing for all involved as well as the communities. Being involved in a similar situation, it's eye opener. We have not heard of the employee compensation for this happening!! Talking to a GM employee, after the closure they get their unemployement, THEN when that runs out they will get 2 years of their salary based on 40 hours. They get this on top of any other job they may have obtained. I think this is a pretty good kick start for them. It is still too bad this happened! Posted by: jim Location: spring green I think it depends on the Athlete. Look at Michael Vick, for example. Until he was convicted of dogfighting, he was looked at as a hero. Then the real truth comes out about him, and hopefully he isn't still thought of that way. Now in contrast, look at Lance Armstrong. Someone who doesn't claim to be a hero, yet is in the eyes of countless cancer patients and survivors. For the most part I agree that athletes are not heros, and too much attention is given to them (as well as too much money paid to them). But when you take a step back and look at which athletes use their money, stardom, experiences...and turn them into positive things, I think that qualifies as heroic. I think it just depends on an individuals perspective; and whether or not what an athlete has done personally reflects on one's own life experiences. Posted by: dennis Location: BD Athletes are not heroes in my opinion. I think they make way to much of athletics. I never got an award for anything I did no matter how good it was. We were just expected to do it no questions ask. Only big shots expect awards to better their own interest not their kids. Posted by: Dave Location: Madison I agree with you Christine. My family can attest to that. Everytime the media calls someone a hero, I go on a rant that they are NOT heroes. Athelets don't even come close to being heroes. To me, a hereo is someone who goes far above what is expected from them AND at great personnal risk and sacrafice. Doing what is expected of you and trained to do, even if it is risky is not heroic. Doing something that puts your life at very high risk and for which no one would fault you for not doing tends to be heroic. Police, Firemen, Military know the risks when they take the job. Doesn't mean they can't be heroic, some are, most are not. We all make choices. Heroes are the ones who make the choice to do what is right, even if it means it probably will cost them their life or severe injury. Hero status is not something one seeks out. And, most heroes are embarrassed being called a hero. Athletes - No Way! Is the term hero subjective? Yes. But, you know one when you see one. Posted by: Anonymous I dissagrre there with you Christine. I The Term Hero I believe is based on an Individual interpretation. And no none should ever been deemed "Hero " Posted by: Paul Location: Sun Prairie I feel that a hero is someone who does something heroic. Maybe that is a very small percent of the population...I think it should be reserved for "heroic deeds". Also, our society tends to over hype people and things to sell more product. Hmmmm...that reminds me....I'm kind of hungry for a ...ummm....hero sandwich!! Keep up the "great" (oops!)work Christine... Posted by: Filbert Location: Anytown, USA From Merriam Webster Online: 1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage2 a: the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b: the central figure in an event, period, or movement One could argue that some of the athletes may meet some of the definition. I assume many confuse 'idol' vs. 'hero' vs. 'icon'. Hero is a personal thing but to me it's some person who makes the world a better place via personal sacrifice. Posted by: Lauren Location: Beaver Dam I think a hero can be subjective to an individual. For example, my heros are members of my family. I think someone's hero is defined by the person/persons who inspire them to be better then they are. Inspire them to work hard. I think if we are talking about generalized national heros, I do not know who I would put in that category. Certainly not ALL athletes, but also not ALL military personnel, teachers and police. I have met a few of each that wound bring disgrace to the title "hero". Posted by: angelina Location: Madison Don- help us out here- who are the heroes in your world then? when you think of the word hero, who do you picture in your head? I'm just curious. Christine- great blog topic! I agree totally- sports figures are paid entertainers, and even their philanthropic gestures are not that great! I think a person who makes $18K a year giving $20 to the Salvation Army means more than someone amking $7M a year giving $20K to flood relief! I'm sorry to see, however, that Don feels that when people do hard jobs for little pay/ high danger it means they are just doing what they asked for- I am sure those people in that burning house a few years ago thought the deputy who pulled his squad car up and stood on the hood/ roof to help them down was a hero, and I don't believe that was in HIS job description. I also think a nurse who brings comfort that pills can not deliver just by smiling, holding a hand, or talking so a patient doesn't feel alone is a hero, even if it is just being polite when they work Posted by: Scott Location: Madison I can understand if an athlete or author, filmmaker, artist, musician, what have you are "heroes" to an indivdual because of how their talents effect and inspire. I have many of those sorts of people in my life. But, overall Christine, I'm with you on this one. Being over-praised and over-paid do not qualify in nearly the same way as the thankless roles people perform everyday--especially every parent out there who is tirelessly trying their best to raise a positive member of future society. Remember the old Charles Barkley advertisement about how he is not a role model? Brilliant stuff and I think that echoes the sentiments around this post. Posted by: nancy Location: fort atkinson I agree with you Christine. When someone uses a God given talent to succeed, it definitely does not make them a hero. I am also bothered when I hear a singer called great because they have sold millions of CD's, albums or whatever they're called. George Strait is a successful singer but he is not great so I wonder why he is introduced as the great George Strait (just 1 example). Posted by: John Location: Deere Donny from Arlington...I said "or other acts of heroism." Besides, why do you say chill? My explaination wasn't antagonizing towards you at all...just stating some facts as well as my opinion. You put your opinion out there for all to see, expect some feedback. Posted by: Don Location: Arlington Hey john that was just ONE example for Gods sake. Chill out dude! Posted by: Deb Location: Beaver Dam A person who gives lots of money to help others is a philanthropist, NOT a hero. Posted by: John Location: Deere Don from Arlington, I disagree with some of what you say. Most teachers, police officers, military personnel, etc DON'T know what they are getting into when they choose these professions, as schooling can only do so much. Ideally, they take these jobs to help, educate, support and keep safe the citizens of our community. Then the real world portion of these positions take over. Drugs,weapons,constant disrespect, low pay, fear of death, mental distress...believe me I could go on. These people,who despite the aforementioned circumstances, continue to battle each day simply to make a difference and do something positive. If they aren't heroes, who is? And the example of the person running into a burning building or other act of "heroism?" Maybe .0000005% of society experiences this in their lifetime, and then most likely only once. Yes, God bless them, but also recognize the people who do these things as a lifelong commitment. Posted by: Don Location: Arlington Totally agree with athletes are not heroes. I personally disagree with something else you wrote. This may offend people but it is my opinion. Unless a person does something out of their ordinary job/career they are NOT heroes. I am sick of hearing about the police, firemen, teachers and others being called heroes. I completely feel they should be commended for what they do but on the other hand they know what they are getting into when they take those jobs. An "average" person running into a burning house to save someone is much more a hero to me than if a fireman were to do the same thing. Just my opinion, so all that are going to respond to this statement ripping on me .....save your breath. Posted by: Cindy Location: Blue Mounds I agree with Cassie, Mike and John. An athlete is only a hero if he/she uses her wealth/influence to do good for others. Athletic skill alone does NOT make a hero. We can aspire to be like TRUE heroes. Brett Favre was/is a great athlete, but it was how he carried himself off the field and through his charity work and caring for others that makes him a hero. Posted by: Anne Location: Madison I think every person has their own definition of a hero. If a basketball star inspires an at risk youth to work hard in school and on the court instead of turning to drugs and crime, then why can't they be a hero? I think each person has their own definition of what makes a hero and no one has a right to tell them they are right or wrong. I don't think tossing a football or swimming laps automatically makes you a hero. Also, I don't think running into a burning building makes you a hero also. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would do that for purely selfish reasons. As for your example, Dale Earnhardt put himself in danger every time he raced for our entertainment. I'm not saying he was selfless but I think it's a matter of opinion on whether or not he was a hero. Posted by: Ross Location: Madison Christine, I normally agree with you on most topics. In this case I do not. A hero is someone who inspires people to act in a positive way. Certainly, not all athletes are heroes. Not even close. However, if one person stops helps another, in my opinion that person has some level of heroic status. Many atheletes devote time and money and we never hear about it. ROSS Posted by: Packer Fan Location: WI The Brett Favres of the world are idolized for being little more than overpaid entertainers. What is a true hero? Let the overpaid entertainers give something back like Pat Tillman did. Mr. Tillman had all of the hero status, yet he died fighting for our country. I am not suggesting that all athletes or others should die for their country, rather that if they want to be consider true heroes, then they need to give something back. Quite frankly, in this me, me, me world that does not happen often enough. Certainly Mr. Favre could have left football and used his "star power" to help others. Maybe someday he will grow up enough to realize that it is not all about him, despite what others tell him. I believe the true heroes are the firemen, policemen, teachers, nurses, pastors and many others who do their jobs and most of the time do not get nearly enough recognition or compensation for their contribution to society. Posted by: cassie Location: madison I completely agree with you Christine. Athletes are most certainly not heroes for what they do on the track or in the pool. When star athletes use their fame to raise money for charities, etc., they get closer, but still, only those who you've mentioned like 9/11 rescue workers, etc are the true HEROES. Posted by: Mike Location: Madison I agree with you and John- teachers, firefighters, paramedics, soldiers, police- even everyday people who "heroically" without training or equipment run into buildings, or save lives, or give their lives to save others are heroes- but not sports figures. they are paid because they are good at what they do, but their actions do not prevent anyone from dying a horrible death, or further the education of today's children to make society better for tomorrow. Thank you Christine- for being honest about what you said, and what you meant to say instead! excellent topic once again Christine- thank you! Posted by: Sara Location: Madison Not to get into semantics or anything, but I love words and looked up the word "hero" to see what good old Webster's had to say. To paraphrase, a hero can either be someone who is admired for brave deeds and noble qualities, or it can be someone who demonstrates special strength or ability. So based on those definitions, athletes could indeed be considered to be heroes and based on one of the definitions there are definitely some athletes who fit the "hero" mold. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm on "Team Bellport" with the whole athletes aren't heroes thing. Yes, many of them are EXTREMELY good at what they do, but that doesn't necessarily catapult them to hero status (in my opinion anyway). I mean, I have a 4.0 GPA- does that make me a hero? Indeed it does not. It just means I'm a really good student. The same thing goes for athletes. For me, the hero title should be bestowed on those who are truly deserving of it, and not someone who can just run really fast (or what have you) Posted by: John Location: Deere No, athletes (at least for what they do on the field) are not heroes. They're put on pedestals because of all the exposure they receive. Put a camera in a classroom where a teacher performs the miracle of teaching a child to read, or in the house of a mother working 3 jobs to feed her kids, or the scene of a paramedic performing CPR to save a life....then you will see, and redefine what a hero really is!!! |
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