Does Our Society Suffer From “Hero Inflation?”

What is a “hero?” In Greek mythology, a hero was someone who possessed virtuous qualities of great courage and strength and was incredibly brave, performing remarkable acts and eventually becoming immortalized after his death. In more contemporary times, the definition of a hero has become “water-downed” and is basically considered to be someone who is admired for his or her outstanding achievements or qualities. Great leaders of our time like Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, whose deeds have revolutionized the world, continue to be held in high esteem and classified under this concept of hero. Overtime the definition of hero has developed and loosely utilized. It now and can apply to just about anyone who is a victim to some kind of tragedy or untimely death. It is a common and fast-growing accommodation for these kinds of victims. Victims, who become canonized into heaven and hardly ever make it into hell as is the notion. Heaven is now crowded with heroes whose life on earth had been abruptly and tragically cut short.