Is the concept of heroism in Western culture under attack?

2015-10-24T16:21:22-04:00

As the Chief of Awards and Decorations for the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam I had plenty of occasions to think about the nature of heroism, especially when I investigated and reported on acts of valor rising to consideration for the Medal of Honor. In later years I taught my son and his fellow Cub Scouts that valor was to do whatever was necessary or right in spite of fear. Thus, without fear there could be no heroism (at least that was my opinion). All soldiers are frequently called upon to do their duty regardless of the fear they felt. However, some act above and beyond the call of duty. These are the ones we most often equate with heroism.

Obviously, others have different interpretations. Also, the definition of heroism has evolved over the centuries. It can mean many things in different places and different times. Modern Americans apply the term loosely to athletes and celebrities whose only fear was failure, and the "hero" has lost its traditional significance.

Tod Linberg, PhD and Fellow at Stanford Univesity's Hoover Institution, has gone so far as to postulate that heroism itself is being diluted and that its loss imperils society. What do you think?

http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/is-the-wests-culture-of-heroism-under-threat/

Is the West’s Culture of Heroism Under Threat?

Tod Lindberg, The Heroic Heart: Greatness Ancient and Modern (Encounter Books, 2015)   My friend Tod Lindberg has written an interesting and important

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 24 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-10-24T16:32:15-04:00

Good point. I agree. The term is used so loosely today that it has lost its meaning.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 24 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-10-24T19:00:22-04:00

Now days Sir I think it is what you did and what others think. Too many people think admitting that you want to be a person of the opposite sex is heroic and say nothing about a soldier who lost a limb or life saving others.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 24 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-10-24T19:26:44-04:00

Great summation and the book will be a great read. I intend on reading it and encourage others to do the same.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 24 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-10-24T21:06:23-04:00

I believe heroism takes an act of courage. Courage doesn't come into play when things are easy. It happens when things are difficult and dangerous.