Labels – and how they muddy thinking.
Labels – or stereotypes – are a kind of anchor for the mind. A way in which we categorize and process information.
As such, they can be very misleading and cause significant distortions in our thinking, our understanding and the way we process information.
Take the word hero for example. The word is defined in the dictionary as such:
n., pl. -roes.
1) In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
2) A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in a war.
3) A person noted for special achievement in a particular field: the heroes of medicine.
4) The principal male character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation.
These days we see the term ‘hero’ commonly applied to sports stars, and here in Australia; I have seen it used as: ‘high school heroes” too. The word hero is used in many other ways, often with the common theme of dilution of the power and meaning of the word.
We often read of the disgusting habits of too many of these so called ‘hero’ sportspeople for example. Sexual abuse, excessive and gratuitous violence, cover ups, drunken abandon, theft, and illegal substance abuse. These ‘heroes’ are looked up to by the young, the gullible and the impressionable. Besides being a very bad influence, the whole experience can be very disheartening for those who worship their frail idols.
Some might say that these fake heroes are human and try to excuse it all. Instead, we should consider that real heroes can at times pay with their lives to stay true to a noble purpose. No excuses, real heroes get the job done and stay true to their character.
If we as a society defined things in a better manner we would achieve better results across the board. At least we can change ourselves. Do we really on a personal level want to live in a some sort of ‘dream world’ where our thoughts are not anchored in reality and truth? Or are we going to, in our own minds at least, call a spade a spade?
Just in case we need reminding what a real hero is like, then we can read this news article:
The article is based on the book:
Never Surrender: The Men and Women Who Saved Britain 1939-1945
I quote, about the book and author, from the Amazon website:
Product Description
In Never Surrender Robert Kershaw captures the authentic voices of the ordinary heroes of the Second World War, from the soldiers fighting abroad to those battling on the home front, and creates an extraordinary portrait of a generation fighting for survival. Beginning with first-hand accounts of the reaction to Chamberlain’s declaration of war in 1939, Kershaw portrays the many aspects of war through the words of those who were there, from the sailors of the little ships of Dunkirk to German soldiers preparing for Operation ‘Sea Lion’. He takes us from the nightly horrors of the Blitz to battles in the limitless desert of North Africa, and from jungle war in Burma to Lancaster bombers over Germany and the beaches of Normandy. This is an attempt to portray their ethos before it is too late. Featuring new interviews with veterans and civilians from Britain, the Commonwealth and Germany as well as diaries, letters, and first-hand accounts, this is a testimony to the remarkable men and women who lived through the Second World War — whose refusal to surrender changed them forever.About the Author
Robert Kershaw, who until recently held a senior position within NATO, joined the Parachute Regiment in 1973 and has served actively in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the first Gulf War, for which he was awarded the US Bronze Star. He has written six books of military history and has contributed to The Times, The Sunday Times, the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Telegraph.
Alex Webley
Shaman Hawk
Kenn Day
Martin Day
Ronny
