“The Paradox of Heroism in the Modern World”

Heroism is not defined by one’s religion, nationality, or race. Heroes and sheroes take many forms: a Muslim teacher, a Hindu mechanic, a Christian basketball coach, or a Vodou physician. At its best, heroism is expressed through deliberate acts of kindness and empathy, a commitment to human dignity and development, and the consistent courage to challenge the existing order and transform unjust social systems and practices.

In this sense, heroes inspire others to become their best, to stretch boundaries, and to recognize sacrifice in service of the common good and human flourishing. They do not act for glory or self-interest; rather, they are driven by a passion to help people flourish and to contribute to the improvement of the human condition and the shared human experience.

Yet heroism, as it functions in global history and public memory, does not always align with such moral or ethical commitments toward life, politics, diplomatic relations, social issues, etc. Heroes are often produced by events, circumstances, and social narratives rather than by a consistent posture toward justice and human rights for all people. One may be celebrated as a hero by one’s people, race, or tribe, while simultaneously being viewed as a villain or enemy by another. Some are elevated because they resist oppression and confront unjust treatment of others; paradoxically, other individuals are made heroes for the very opposite reasons: using power and influence to oppress, to inflict suffering on marginalized communities, or to exploit the underrepresented in order to preserve privilege, dominance, and honor for their own group.