Quote:
Originally Posted by Skybird
Good hearts at work, okay, and the story certainly gets my sympathy.
But please, let's leave out "heroism" here. We have a traditional understanding of what heroism is, and that understabding emerged over centuries and was already depicted in sagas of old. Let's stop this inflationary abuse of the the term "hero". there is nothing heroic in what these people do. Love for animals, selflessness to some degree, altruism, okay - but no heroism.
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I agree. Heroism is an overused term. I reserve it for individuals who show a exceptional bravery and/or selflessness in the face of mortal danger or seemingly insurmountable odds. Some people have called me a hero simply for serving in Iraq, or even for just enlisting, but I'm not a hero and calling people like me, or people like those in the story, is a bit of an insult to real heroes. I had the privilege to serve alongside or glimpse a few; men who risked and sometimes lost their lives to protect civilians or aid fallen comrades (and even an enemy, once)
Still, it is a heartwarming story, and I laud those people for their compassion and selflessness. Bravo!
