Too Many Heroes

Ahem.

*Stands on soapbox, taps microphone.

I couldn’t help but notice, and of course partake in the numerous dialogues and debates over what constitutes a Hero.

Since I haven’t posted a vent in a while, and I know you’re just dying for one from me (wink, wink, j/k) I thought I’d add my useless opinion out for public consumption (or utter disregard). There’s a lovely quote I’ve found by the late Christopher Reeve that just happens to coincide with me idea of a Hero.

It is this: “A Hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Nowhere in that quote is there a caveat as to what the nature of heroism is being exemplified, just that they ‘persevere and endure despite..obstacles’.

My point: Caitlyn Jenner and Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter (for examples) are both heroes. Very different kinds of heroes, obviously. I know many of you don’t like that, and don’t agree. But, really: Why must we diminish one to elevate the other? It’s okay if Caitlyn is not a hero to you specifically, but be the compassionate humans you’re meant to be and respect that she is a hero to many who has lived a life not authentic to how they feel on the inside, for fear of alienation and ridicule, and ever physical harm. It’s not our charge to understand everything, Truthfully? I don’t ‘get’ it. How could I? It doesn’t fit into the scope of my experiences. But what I can do, and be, is empathetic. I can imagine the fear, anguish, confusion and grief of not being able to be yourself, ever. To feel always different, always ‘other’.  Broken. Weird. Misunderstood.

Likewise, I could never understand the horrors of war, the bodies, the blood, the choices one makes to survive. But I am eternally grateful and respectful of the tremendous selflessness and willingness to serve a greater cause, so that we live free. I know that to most Americans , this respect comes easily.  More truth? Yes, these men and women who sacrifice in the name of Country and their fellow man, as well as those who protect us on our own land are heroes to me.  In my personal life, Caitlyn Jenner is not my hero. But I have the compassionate understanding to realize that were I a human struggling with my identity, I’d probably feel so grateful that she shared her struggle and journey.

The fair truth is, both types of heroes have and are saving lives. Literally. And yes, both. Just in very different ways.  There are, perhaps, some words whose value diminishes when overused. ‘Hero’ is not one of them.  You will not lesson the heroism of one by awarding another with that title. Could there ever be a world where we say, ‘Oh, no! We just have too many heroes, gotta get rid of some!” The more heroes, role models, and helpers in the world, the better.

Lastly: Get your shit together people. Seriously. Considering that, as a species, our claim to fame is the ability to think & reason, feel compassion, and of course, having those super cool opposable thumbs, we really, really need to start taking that ten second pause before we speak. Use common sense. Mind your manners. Be fucking kind. If you can’t do that, then just be quiet. Because really, our opinions are not nearly as important as we think they are. Guess what? You can keep your religious conviction, your moral high ground, righteous indignation, your conservative/liberal views… keep them, they are yours to have. You don’t have understand, you don’t have to like it (whatever ‘it’ may be) and you don’t have to involve yourself. Turn the channel, walk away… it’s all good. Just don’t be a dick about it, okay?

Exhales.

*Climbs off soapbox, and gets a drink.