My hope for humanity is often reaffirmed by my generation and our attempt to judge one another based on nobility and decency instead of socially constructed norms. Every now and then one of my peers makes a disheartening remark that reminds me the conversation isn’t over.
As I grabbed my iced coffee and copy of the DM Thursday, I was stunned. The opinion column titled “What is it to be a hero?” was depreciating to the obstacles overcome by the LGBTQ community and quite frankly contradicting in it’s entirety. You begin by defining heroism as putting self-interest OR safety aside and demonstrating great acts of courage. Then, move on to describe people (Michael Sam and Caitlyn Jenner) who meet your criteria, but because they didn’t lose their life you minimize their bravery.
Do you see where my confusion lies? Defying thousands of years of social norms is courageous and heroic.Neither death nor fame define heroism. Behaving in a manner that works to help those beyond you makes someone a hero. Our troops and police work to physically protect our communities; they are heroes.
Jenner and Sam work to sociologically evolve the minds and opinions of our communities; they are heroes. Bravery isn’t limited to those that encounter death. Caitlyn’s bravery generated a very public conversation about the difficulties those in her predicament face everyday, like being a social pariah in their very own families and communities. The very public acts of courage displayed by Jenner has drawn attention to a group that has been historically ignored and mistreated. Consider the thousands she gave hope and as a result, the lives she saved.
Our heroic soldiers work to fight for our rights abroad; heroic figures like Jenner work to fight for our rights at home.
Tysianna Marino is a sophomore Public Policy and Leadership major.
