MY ANALYSIS ON THE TERM “HEROISM”: The Interrogation

University panel interrogation.

Barrister79: The honorable panelists of this prestigious institution, today I am going to present my analysis on the term “heroism” – a term which was oftentimes used and abused all through out the affairs of human civilizations. This indicates how powerful is a concept such that it could manipulate human feelings and reasoning…[interrupted]

Panelist1: For a while, what are you trying to establish in your presentation?

Barrister79: I am trying to establish four different interpretations pertaining with the term “heroism”, sir.

Panelist1: And what are those four different interpretations you said?

Barrister79: I am referring to “heroism” as

                   1. a term with manipulative concept;

                   2. a term which is tainted with subjectivity and biases;

                   3. a term which is totally biased in favor to those who benefited from the “heroic” act;

                   4. an act of hypocrisy.

Panelist1: Thank you!

Panelist2: How do you define “heroism”?

Barrister79: I defined “heroism” as an act or a practice of being or becoming a “sacrificial lamb” for the benefit of others, which I considered as an act of hypocrisy.

Panelist2: Haaaaa? Heroism is an act of hypocrisy?

Barrister79: Yes, ma’am. It is an act of hypocrisy because a person exposed himself to a risk which is not his business at all while the real party concerned has the capability of exposing themselves to any danger for their own benefit.

Panelist2: Do you have a child sir?

Barrister79: I may have, I may have none.  [smiling] I have a niece, Tahlia; and nephews, Connor and Kobe

[the spectators clapped their hands for the impertinent answer]

Panelist2: My point sir, when you see your child drowning or at risk, will you save him?

Barrister79: My answer is YES, ma’am. But I do not consider my act as  “heroic” because it is my NATURAL OBLIGATION to save them. The components which composed their bodies are the same substance which composed mine.

Panelist2: When you save them, are you not considered as their “hero”?

Barrister79: No. It is my natural obligation to rescue them; It means that I’m compelled with a necessity and not by the concept on “heroism”.  “Heroism” has something to do with pure sacrifice for the benefit of someone you hardly know. However, if they consider you a hero, it is because this term is so manipulative.

Panelist2: Thank you!

Panelist3: Sir, I think I got your point, somehow. Supposing you see me drowning, won’t you save me because “heroism” is an act of hypocrisy?

Barrister79: If I see you drowning after giving me a failing rate, I think I am justified if I’ll just close my eyes. [applause from the students]   Just kidding sir, your question requires prudent evaluation I guess.  I may still save you sir, as an act of mercy and not as a heroic act.  Heroic act, I suspect, suggests recognition from the person saved and recognition for the person who save.