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MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: WarriorFan on August 26, 2018, 06:32:29 PM

Title: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: WarriorFan on August 26, 2018, 06:32:29 PM
With the passing of John McCain and many of us calling him a hero, I started wondering, who are our children's heroes?

My heroes growing up were:
Sports:  Bart Starr, Robin Yount, Sidney Moncrief
Politics:  Ronald Reagan and Henry Kissinger
Military:  The Flying Tigers
Business:  my grandfather

Who fills this role now?  Is it as important as it was 30-50 years ago? Is the young generation too inherently narcissistic to have heroes?  I honestly have no idea - outside of family - who kids could look up to these days!
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Blackhat on August 26, 2018, 06:59:42 PM
Jesus Christ


Looking for any politician to be your hero is looking in the wrong place.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 26, 2018, 07:03:07 PM
My No. 1 heroes were my father and mother; it's corny but true. My No. 2 hero was my older brother.

Beyond that, I had sports heroes (Larry Csonka, Walt Frazier, a few others including, yes, O.J.), music heroes (Beatles), entertainment heroes (Carroll O'Connor), etc.

I would hope that my wife is one of my now-grown kids' heroes. She's an incredible woman and a great mom. Beyond that, I'm sure it's the usual assortment of sports, music, entertainment heroes, maybe a political hero.

And I hope that when they have kids, they will be heroes, too!
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: GGGG on August 26, 2018, 07:41:16 PM
1. My dad
2. My maternal grandfather

That's it.

As for my kids, I simply strive to be a good role model.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: tower912 on August 26, 2018, 08:01:34 PM
I haven't had heroes since I was 7.  That being said, I haven't had many villains either.  I recognized human frailty at an early age.
For my 11 year old....
Lin Manuel Miranda.
Steph Curry.
Justin Verlander.
Phineas.  Ferb.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: mu_hilltopper on August 26, 2018, 08:21:26 PM
Yeah .. I can't say I have any heroes.    I think I could list out a ton of people who I admire in one way or another, though.

I imagine my kids' heroes are all Youtube authors.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: chapman on August 26, 2018, 08:27:17 PM
Us 90's kids were all about Griffey.


Quote from: mu_hilltopper on August 26, 2018, 08:21:26 PM
I imagine my kids' heroes are all Youtube authors.

Believe the kids these days love "Ninja", the Fortnite player.  He seems to recognize that and try to set a good example, at least.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_(streamer)

Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: naginiF on August 26, 2018, 08:48:23 PM
From my 12 year old when i asked:
- You and mom
- Lorenzo Cain - we're in KC so i asked why he's still considered "hero" status and it was a combination of what he did to get the Royals to back to back Series, his joy of playing, and the respect of his teammates.
- MLK

Sample size of 2 (including Tower's kid along with mine) i don't think we need to worry about the next generation.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Lennys Tap on August 26, 2018, 09:26:00 PM
Quote from: tower912 on August 26, 2018, 08:01:34 PM
I haven't had heroes since I was 7. 

This. I guess Minnie Minoso (White Sox left fielder) was my hero until i was 8 or 9. After that I was too happy/busy being a kid to need heroes. Tons of people I loved/admired but I didn't put them on a pedestal.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 26, 2018, 09:41:11 PM
Quote from: Lennys Tap on August 26, 2018, 09:26:00 PM
This. I guess Minnie Minoso (White Sox left fielder) was my hero until i was 8 or 9. After that I was too happy/busy being a kid to need heroes. Tons of people I loved/admired but I didn't put them on a pedestal.

I absolutely put my dad on a pedestal, and he never disappointed me.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Mutaman on August 26, 2018, 10:29:30 PM
Quote from: Lennys Tap on August 26, 2018, 09:26:00 PM
This. I guess Minnie Minoso (White Sox left fielder) was my hero until i was 8 or 9.

When I was about 9 my uncle took me to a game at Comisky. We had front row field level seats down the left field line. Right before the game somebody said to me "if there is a foul pop up hit down here, duck under your seat because that fellow Minoso will do whatever he can to catch the ball and you don't want to be in his way". I spent the rest of the game praying that no one hit a ball my way.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Benny B on August 27, 2018, 09:49:36 AM
Role models are different, but a person who needs a hero has already failed.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 27, 2018, 10:13:21 AM
Quote from: Benny B on August 27, 2018, 09:49:36 AM
Role models are different, but a person who needs a hero has already failed.

Yes, maybe I unintentionally compared the concepts of "role model" and "hero."

Still, my dad served valiantly under Patton in WWII and was the classic "self-made man." He was an orphan, put himself through trade school, and went on to become a valuable contributor to society and a fantastic father with unimpeachable morals and ethics.

So I might argue he was both a hero and role model. Of course, I'm biased.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Lennys Tap on August 27, 2018, 10:39:09 AM
Quote from: Benny B on August 27, 2018, 09:49:36 AM
Role models are different, but a person who needs a hero has already failed.

As F Scott Fitzgerald famously stated, "Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy". People are certainly capable of incredible acts of heroism and people also can/should be considered role models. But heroes? Not so much.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: brewcity77 on August 27, 2018, 11:45:06 AM
For me, probably Steve Rogers.

For my child, probably Elmo or Abby Cadabby.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Coleman on August 27, 2018, 11:46:17 AM
It is an interesting question. Both of my parents are flawed (as are everyone's). I love them deeply, and admire certain aspects of them which I wish to emulate, but I do not consider them heroes.

Heroes certainly exist in our day and age. They aren't necessarily the people who are always on TV or the front page. Celebrities are rarely true heroes.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: WarriorDad on August 27, 2018, 11:56:08 AM
Parents, grand parents, siblings, some former coworkers, teachers, a boss or mentor.  Depends on the definition.

In my view there are heroic acts done by people whether it is donating a kidney or blood marrow, running into a burning fire, etc.  Society today makes it impossible to be a hero because of Information Age.  The heroes of yesteryear would be killed in social media as so many are today. 
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: forgetful on August 27, 2018, 01:46:51 PM
Quote from: Lennys Tap on August 27, 2018, 10:39:09 AM
As F Scott Fitzgerald famously stated, "Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy". People are certainly capable of incredible acts of heroism and people also can/should be considered role models. But heroes? Not so much.

I agree with this.  Don't have, and never really have had personal heroes.  There are numerous people that have my utmost respect and whom I consider role models...but not heroes.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 27, 2018, 03:07:27 PM
I'm sensing almost a negative connotation with the word hero for a lot of people. Is that true or am I just reading too much into it?
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: CTWarrior on August 27, 2018, 03:32:45 PM
When it comes to sports as a little kid, I had favorites that I was crazy about (Carl Yastrzemski, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, Emerson Boozer) but I wouldn't have called them "heroes" even as a little kid.

My parents were great and I am lucky to have had them, but while I always loved, admired and respected them the term "hero" never entered my mind when thinking of them.

I always figured heroes are guys who risked their lives to help/save others, like policemen and firemen and soldiers.  Never even gave the idea of heroes any thought until this thread.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Lennys Tap on August 27, 2018, 03:44:34 PM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 27, 2018, 03:07:27 PM
I'm sensing almost a negative connotation with the word hero for a lot of people. Is that true or amt I just reading too much into it?

No negative connotation IMO, just a realization that even those with heroic moments or qualities are human. Putting someone you love or respect on a pedestal really isn't honest of you or fair to him or her.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Jockey on August 27, 2018, 07:45:25 PM
Quote from: Lennys Tap on August 27, 2018, 03:44:34 PM
No negative connotation IMO, just a realization that even those with heroic moments or qualities are human. Putting someone you love or respect on a pedestal really isn't honest of you or fair to him or her.

I kinda agree, Lenny. I am always wary when the media puts someone on a pedestal as some kind of a hero.

On a personal level, I think we all need someone to try to look up to and emulate. Hero may be the wrong word. Role model is probably too tame, but maybe closer to what it should be.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 27, 2018, 08:26:14 PM
I guess I don't view hero and putting someone on a pedestal as the same thing. If the implication of being hero means they must be perfect, then does that mean that heroes don't exist? What's the word for someone who has committed heroic actions but is still a flawed human being?
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 27, 2018, 09:32:09 PM
Quote from: Coleman on August 27, 2018, 11:46:17 AM
Heroes certainly exist in our day and age. They aren't necessarily the people who are always on TV or the front page. Celebrities are rarely true heroes.

I really like this, Coleman. Very astute.

Quote from: Lennys Tap on August 27, 2018, 03:44:34 PM
No negative connotation IMO, just a realization that even those with heroic moments or qualities are human. Putting someone you love or respect on a pedestal really isn't honest of you or fair to him or her.

When Jordan came out of retirement the first time, the spring of 1995, my son was 7 and was a huge NBA fan.

We were sitting together in the living room watching the Bulls play at Detroit. Jordan goes for something like 30-10-10 and has a few spectacular plays, and my boy is bouncing off the walls. After one particularly great play, my son says, "Oh my god ... he's not human."

And I say, "I know what you mean - that he's so good at basketball it's like he's not human. But you know what? Michael is human. He has made many mistakes in his life and he also has done some fine things. He's just a regular guy who happens to be great at what he does. Just like Grandpa is a regular guy who was great at what he did before he retired. And just like, someday, you will be a regular guy who is great at what you do."

My son seemed reasonably satisfied with that explanation.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Lennys Tap on August 27, 2018, 09:44:31 PM
Quote from: MU82 on August 27, 2018, 09:32:09 PM


When Jordan came out of retirement the first time, the spring of 1995, my son was 7 and was a huge NBA fan.

We were sitting together in the living room watching the Bulls play at Detroit. Jordan goes for something like 30-10-10 and has a few spectacular plays, and my boy is bouncing off the walls. After one particularly great play, my son says, "Oh my god ... he's not human."

And I say, "I know what you mean - that he's so good at basketball it's like he's not human. But you know what? Michael is human. He has made many mistakes in his life and he also has done some fine things. He's just a regular guy who happens to be great at what he does. Just like Grandpa is a regular guy who was great at what he did before he retired. And just like, someday, you will be a regular guy who is great at what you do."

My son seemed reasonably satisfied with that explanation.

I'm sure he was - it was a perfect explanation.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Benny B on August 28, 2018, 10:08:21 AM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 27, 2018, 08:26:14 PM
What's the word for someone who has committed heroic actions but is still a flawed human being?

Role model.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: tower912 on August 28, 2018, 11:47:18 AM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 27, 2018, 08:26:14 PM
I guess I don't view hero and putting someone on a pedestal as the same thing. If the implication of being hero means they must be perfect, then does that mean that heroes don't exist? What's the word for someone who has committed heroic actions but is still a flawed human being?
Human
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 28, 2018, 12:19:49 PM
Quote from: Benny B on August 28, 2018, 10:08:21 AM
Role model.

What's between role model and hero? Role model doesn't cover it for me.

Quote from: tower912 on August 28, 2018, 11:47:18 AM
Human


I suppose...but so are the people who commit heinous actions.

I guess I just don't agree with the idea that heroes don't exist. Hero to me doesn't mean perfect, heroes are heroes because they are flawed human beings who overcome their limitations to do heroic things in certain situations.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: GGGG on August 28, 2018, 12:24:59 PM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 28, 2018, 12:19:49 PM
What's between role model and hero? Role model doesn't cover it for me.


https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero

Definition of hero

a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
b : an illustrious warrior
c : a person admired for achievements and noble qualities
d : one who shows great courage


I think too many people are thinking about (a), when in reality you are talking about (c)
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: tower912 on August 28, 2018, 12:36:36 PM
The problem with heroes is that because they are human, they will  are flawed and will ultimately make a human error that will ruin the illusion and lead to disappointment. 
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: barfolomew on August 28, 2018, 01:07:21 PM
Quote from: #bansultan on August 28, 2018, 12:24:59 PM

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero

Definition of hero

a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
b : an illustrious warrior
c : a person admired for achievements and noble qualities
d : one who shows great courage


I think too many people are thinking about (a), when in reality you are talking about (c)

Your link might be out of date; there has been an addendum:

e : anyone who puts Wisconsin basketball on the map
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 28, 2018, 01:16:09 PM
Quote from: tower912 on August 28, 2018, 12:36:36 PM
The problem with heroes is that because they are human, they will  are flawed and will ultimately make a human error that will ruin the illusion and lead to disappointment.

I guess that's where I differ. I don't have any illusion about "heroes." I know they are human and will make mistakes. To me, that makes them more heroic than some fictitious idea of a perfect being. If they didn't have to overcome their humanity to do what they did, then why would it be heroic?
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 28, 2018, 01:16:24 PM
Quote from: barfolomew on August 28, 2018, 01:07:21 PM
Your link might be out of date; there has been an addendum:

e : anyone who puts Wisconsin basketball on the map

This is excellent
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Jockey on August 28, 2018, 02:31:25 PM
Quote from: #bansultan on August 28, 2018, 12:24:59 PM

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero

Definition of hero

a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
b : an illustrious warrior
c : a person admired for achievements and noble qualities
d : one who shows great courage


I think too many people are thinking about (a), when in reality you are talking about (c)

Or "d".

My two heroes are:

1) the tank guy in Tiananman Square
2) Vedran Smailović
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Benny B on August 28, 2018, 03:47:22 PM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 28, 2018, 12:19:49 PM
What's between role model and hero? Role model doesn't cover it for me.

I guess I just don't agree with the idea that heroes don't exist. Hero to me doesn't mean perfect, heroes are heroes because they are flawed human beings who overcome their limitations to do heroic things in certain situations.

The way I look at it, heroes are recognized for momentary accomplishments while role models are recognized for what they achieve over time.  Accordingly, heroism requires an extraordinary act.

Additionally, I consider a role model as more universal, i.e. anyone can be a role model to anyone, whereas a hero is specific to the person(s) directly affected by such extraordinary act.  Example: a firefighter who carries an unconscious person out of a burning building is a hero to that person, not to the rest of the world.  In other words, not everyone has a hero.

And therein lies the problem... too many people seem to think they need a hero instead of simply trying to be their own champion.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: buckchuckler on August 28, 2018, 09:32:36 PM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 27, 2018, 08:26:14 PM
What's the word for someone who has committed heroic actions but is still a flawed human being?

Pretty sure it is hero.  Everyone else is just a flawed human being that hasn't committed heroic actions. 
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: wadesworld on August 28, 2018, 09:35:56 PM
Quote from: buckchuckler on August 28, 2018, 09:32:36 PM
Pretty sure it is hero.  Everyone else is just a flawed human being that hasn't committed heroic actions.

Yup.  The hero's journey is not without hiccups.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 28, 2018, 09:58:32 PM
Quote from: #bansultan on August 28, 2018, 12:24:59 PM

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero

Definition of hero

a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
b : an illustrious warrior
c : a person admired for achievements and noble qualities
d : one who shows great courage


I think too many people are thinking about (a), when in reality you are talking about (c)

Well stated.

And sure heroes are flawed. At least they always are in the Marvel and DC universes!
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: HouWarrior on August 28, 2018, 11:50:07 PM
Quote from: Jockey on August 28, 2018, 02:31:25 PM
Or "d".

My two heroes are:

1) the tank guy in Tiananman Square
2) Vedran Smailović

On your tank guy reference brought me a tear. Let me explain.

My brother was diagnosed last week with stage 4 colon cancer, liver cancer and some in his lungs. Nothing to do ...he is back home in hospice and will pass before year end....he spent his work life in TV news and one of his favorite pieces he put together was on the Tiananmen Square protests.

As I also enjoy Les Miserables, I am moved by the video and by my brothers gift for moving music videos. Please watch and enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgYZkdA5nBc
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: Jockey on August 29, 2018, 12:30:30 AM
Quote from: houwarrior on August 28, 2018, 11:50:07 PM
On your tank guy reference brought me a tear. Let me explain.

My brother was diagnosed last week with stage 4 colon cancer, liver cancer and some in his lungs. Nothing to do ...he is back home in hospice and will pass before year end....he spent his work life in TV news and one of his favorite pieces he put together was on the Tiananmen Square protests.

As I also enjoy Les Miserables, I am moved by the video and by my brothers gift for moving music videos. Please watch and enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgYZkdA5nBc


My prayers are with your brother and your family.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 29, 2018, 09:12:25 AM
Quote from: houwarrior on August 28, 2018, 11:50:07 PM
On your tank guy reference brought me a tear. Let me explain.

My brother was diagnosed last week with stage 4 colon cancer, liver cancer and some in his lungs. Nothing to do ...he is back home in hospice and will pass before year end....he spent his work life in TV news and one of his favorite pieces he put together was on the Tiananmen Square protests.

As I also enjoy Les Miserables, I am moved by the video and by my brothers gift for moving music videos. Please watch and enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgYZkdA5nBc

Very sad news, hou. I hope your brother is living as comfortably as possible and is surrounded by love.
Title: Re: Who are our children's heroes?
Post by: MU82 on August 31, 2018, 09:25:33 AM
Check out this video of this one-armed catcher. Pretty amazing and inspirational:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNsBtZumJA&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNsBtZumJA&feature=youtu.be)

It reminded me of Sam, one of my son's 6th-grade basketball and flag football teammates. Sam was playing on two artificial legs -- and this was 18 years ago, way before the technology on prosthetics was as highly developed as now.

In football, my son was the QB and Sam was his top receiver. Sam was always making amazing diving catches, and they combined for about 20 TDs. In basketball, my son was the PG and Sam was the 2, and he was a nice player, especially on defense. When my son would come out of the game, Sam would shift to PG and did a very good job. Sam was just a great kid, too, had a wonderful attitude and a fun personality.

It was truly inspirational, and my son once said, "Sam is my hero."

I absolutely approve of kids having that kind of hero!
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