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America's Sentimental Regard for the Uniform

Image Source: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/08/21/sunday-review/21UNIFORM-1313799420139/21UNIFORM-1313799420139-articleLarge-v2.jpg
An Empty Regard
By WILLIAM DERESIEWICZ
Published: August 20, 2011

What is Hero?

 This article postulates that Americans now regard anyone wearing a uniform to be a "hero" whether or not they have ever performed a brave or selfless act of rescue (my definition.)

Deresiewicz argues that American propaganda has abused the term of hero ever since the inception of the war in Iraq.  This was surely in response to how American's took out their frustration on soldiers during and after Vietnam.  Now the pendulum has swung dangerously to the other side.


I especially like the part about how Steven Colbert chose to respond to this when he observed it some time ago.

My response: This article reminded me of how I felt as a full-time missionary for my Church. The members revered my companion and I as the "heroes" of the faith. (I didn't like it.)  I also appreciated the author's call to action in the final paragraph reminding all of us to be leaders in our own right.

 Listen to how Stephen Fry defines heroes:

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Comments

  1. Julie TSat Sep 03, 12:10:00 AM MDT

    I think there are a lot of people hiding behind the uniform these days that don't necessarily do or believe anything "heroic". Joining up is one thing. Selfless acts of sacrifice where great risk is involved are another.

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