Heroes and Role Models
What is a hero? It seems like every single English teacher I ever had, insisted on asking that question. Is it someone who has no fear? Or someone who has fear, but isn't stopped by it? Is it someone who helps others at great personal cost? Someone who wears tights and a cape and roams around a big city saving the world from evil?
The older I get, the more I realize that society doesn't have a clue about heroes. Why do we idolize men who can toss balls through a hoop or women who don't eat? Why do we encourage our children to envy celebrities and dream of living large in mansions, driving fast cars, all while smiling from the silver screen on TV? Why are we allowing the media to skew our perceptions of reality?
Honestly, I don't know much about heroes. I'm sure there are people who save babies from the jaws of wild animals. People who protect others from danger. People who risk everything to stop evil criminals. I just don't happen to know them.
Instead, I'm much more interested in the idea of a role model. Role models are everywhere and they don't require special spandex uniforms. Anyone can be a role model, whether good or bad. I know my father has been one of the biggest role models in my life--but not in the way one usually talks about role models. I take a look at his life and know that his lifestyle is not something I want for myself. I take a look at some of the people I work with and tell myself that I will never allow myself to become like them--grouchy, bitter, angry. Of course, there are also many people I look to and say "I want to do that." The lady down the road who always has a kind word for the neighbor kids, the man from church who goes around and mows the lawns of the elderly women in the congregation, my friend who raises her children with humor and love. There are lots of role models out there. I learn something from almost everyone I come into contact with.
This issue highlights many positive role models our writers have been lucky enough to know. I hope you enjoy their stories and take a moment to thank the role models who've helped shape your life.