In this age of intensive media coverage, it is no longer possible for a society to regard any living man or woman as a hero

The speaker’s assertion is, in essence, a blanket condemnation of all modern media. Pundits and politicians often decry the ubiquity of news and gossip, but such criticism usually attempts to silence the only source by which the public can know what goes on in the lives of our elected officials. Moreover, such criticism ignores the fact that the modern media is indispensable for the dissemination of information and entertainment, two quintessential components of society that shape human relations. In the case of heroes, this is particularly true. Heroes are revered as role models who inspire fear and awe in the masses. They embody the virtues of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice, and they can be found throughout history, from ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe to the American West and World War II. Through them, the downtrodden can rise above their circumstances and strive to better themselves. In the face of an increasingly tumultuous world, it is unrealistic to expect the populace to continue to look up to legends from the past. They require constant reinforcement in the form of movies, books, and video games, which serve as an introduction to heroes and the heroic journey. In the modern era, heroes serve a vital role, not only as role models, but also as sources of hope

The modern media often fails to provide heroic role models because the public’s expectations are unrealistic. Popular culture defines heroism as the ability to triumph against all odds, and while this sounds like a great trait to have, it precludes the possibility that a hero could just fall in with the wrong crowd. In fiction, people tend to associate heroes with noble and virtuous purposes, but in the real world heroes are seldom pure, virtuous, or even good people. Even the heroes of popular literature often succumb to the allure of wealth and power, sometimes without realizing it. In the 17th-century Scottish poem ‘The Faerie Queene’, the protagonist, Arthur, is revered as a symbol of chivalry and virtue, but in later chapters, he becomes more concerned with fighting and wealth than with his devotion to his lady. Eventually, he betrays his queen and kills his best friend. Likewise, in ‘The Lord of the Rings’, the hobbits are depicted as simple, pious folk, but over the course of the trilogy, they abandon their naiveté and fall into the depths of depravity. Heroes can also be depicted as villains, as was the case with Caesar in the Roman Empire, who, despite rising to power by the murder of his father, eventually became an autocrat who sought to destroy his enemies. Such portrayals of heroes are more realistic than the heroic ideal, and they help the public to understand the true nature of people

If the media fails to provide realistic role models, it can provide such figures through the actions of public figures. Over the past decade, several politicians and celebrities have risen to the ranks of heroes. George W. Bush, who presided over the 9/11 attacks, has, for many, become a symbol of courage and heroism. Similarly, the 9/11 first responders – firefighters, police officers, and EMTs – are held up as examples of selflessness and bravery. The American military, also, is admired for its bravery and self-sacrifice, especially in the wake of recent conflicts. Politicians, however, do not always exhibit the heroic qualities that the public expects. Former President George W. Bush is often criticized, for example, for ignoring the warnings of the CIA and the FBI that Osama bin Laden was planning terrorist attacks. In more recent times, President Obama has been criticized for being aloof and disengaged, whereas his predecessor, George W. Bush, was perceived as a compassionate leader

The modern media can provide heroes by recounting their heroic actions in movies and books. The popularity of ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ demonstrates that the public still believes the heroic journey to be a worthwhile endeavor, and while these stories often portray the conflict as a metaphor for the struggle between good and evil, they also provide heroes that fulfill the audience’s need for action heroes. The same holds true for more recent media, such as recent video games such as ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Halo’. The resurgence of interest in classic heroes is also a testament to the power of media to influence the public. In the 19th century, novels such as ‘Tom Sawyer’ and ‘Huckleberry Finn’ demonstrated to readers that a hero does not necessarily have to be an aristocrat or noble, as Twain and Twain protagonist Huck showed. Several decades later, such characters would be replaced by the character of Superman, who embodied the ideals espoused by Superman comics. The popularity of Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man reflects the desire of the public for heroes who embody the virtues of courage, strength, and morality

The modern media can be blamed for creating unrealistic expectations. Heroes are often depicted as larger-than-life figures with superhuman abilities, but in real life, people are flawed and flawed people are capable of great feats. However, the media also plays a crucial in instilling the public with heroic values and ideals. Without it, society would be devoid of the ideals of courage and sacrifice, which are essential to the functioning of a functional society. Heroes are not perfect, but they are worthy of our admiration.