Is Every Member Of The Armed Services 'a Hero'?

[sp1814]

This is based on the newspaper report posted by Sqad earlier.

Something seems to have changed in the language newspapers use to describe members of the armed services. They are now all deemed 'heroes'.

Now, I have a lot of admiration for anyone who does a tough job that makes my life better (and I include the police, ambulance service fire service in that), but surely we should reserve the word 'hero' for someone who has shown bravery in a conflict situation?

If all service personnel are heroes, what do we call those who go above and beyond. I mean, we can't call them 'superheroes', because that would be unfair to Batman, Spider-Man and to a lesser extent, The Green Lantern.

Do you think the term 'hero' is over-used in the news media?

[boxtops]

It is overused, yes, I agree with that.

[chaptazbru]

Definitely, especially when it's used to describe a footballer !

[Baldric]

I've been on Active Service, I'm not a Hero, you do what you need to do, that's it.

[friedgreentomato]

My father has been on active service as had both my grandfathers before him, and all 3 would have told you that they are not hero's they are being paid t do a job!!

[boxtops]

OH would agree with you, baldric. It's the day job.

[Mick-Talbot]

Yep

To me, a hero is someone who does something that is brave or dangerous but not expected of them.
The police, fire brigade, army etc are paid to be brave, I expect it from them.

[baza]

it is over used in sports but then the the commentators do have a limited vocabulary, not all heroes are military and not all military are heroes , imo.

[Sqad]

Yes......I agree....it is overused.

However, men or women who are involved in a theatre of war...are..Heroes.

[Prudie]

Agree sp and baza. I come into contact with the military on a regular basis, some of them are particularly ordinary. The word is used in the press to add exaggeration.

[Prudie]

I disagree sqad, I think they are very brave but that's not the same as being a hero in my book.

[Sqad]

;-)....maybe! may be!

[Baldric]

Sqad, in case you missed it

///I've been on Active Service, I'm not a Hero, you do what you need to do, that's it.///

My honest opinion

[queenofmean]

I agree it is overused. I also agree with MT

[EcclesCake]

Completely overused and has others have said the view of the personnel is very much that they are doing their job.

[Sqad]

Baldric.........why did you think i missed it........i didn't.
My opinion and of you remains the same ;-)

[Baldric]

OK, just checking!

[boxtops]

From the Oxford Dictionary:

1a person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities:

(no reflection on women but a woman would be called a heroINE)

[sp1814]

Hmmm...

Could I throw a curve ball in?

If a soldier isn't engaged in active duty, but is serving in an area where there is a heightened level of danger (where hostilities have ceased, but insurgents are still active), I would consider that to be a heroic act...because you have to show a degree of bravery just to be there.

And with regards to sporting 'heroes' I absolutely believe that we should have another word. It should mean 'someone whom I admire a lot'. Hero isn't quite right in that respect.

[jake-the-peg]

There are certain elements who attempt to use the language to beat us over the head into accepting their particular view of things.

Heroes are by my definition people you look up to.

You can personally have a hero

The idea that a hero is a generic term for anybody in a particular capacity whether soldier, fireman or whatever is a crude attempt to impose a particular view on everybody.

Are all the Armed forces Heroes? even the one who beat hotel receptionists to death or allegedly shoot prisoners?

No - I'm sure even their colleagues wouldn't think so

So let's stop devaluing the term with over use and judge individuals on their merits

[Mick-Talbot]

This is the type of hero most women would be holding out for.
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2008/12/19/heroes460.jpg


Would be interesting for ABers to post a link to who they consider a hero.