I would like to talk about something that I call the Diva Syndrome. Diva syndrome is basically the need to define everything in its best terms, regardless of whether it deserves or not. What I mean? The term "diva" actually means "singer of outstanding talent." In Italian, it basically means "goddess."
By this definition, I would consider the following women performers: “divas”: Barbara Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Sher, and most likely Madonna . Now there is much more to this list, but I try to show how strong the singers who occupy this high appointment are. They represent the best of the best. Nikki Minai diva? No. Miley Cyrus? Never! Perhaps Pink ... someday. Probably Mariah Carey ... soon. And so on.
The bottom line is that we started throwing words that represent the highest standards of performance or ideals, and applied them to less exemplary people. This does not mean that some people do not deserve recognition for their value, but to use terms like “diva” or “hero” only to someone, the meaning of this term is reduced. It's like the last place trophies. If everyone gets a trophy for participating, what is the value for the trophy of the first place. I dare say.
Today, inquisitive attempts to show patriotism or social responsiveness, people (and in particular the media) throw the word "hero" around, as if real heroism is common, and I assure you that this is not so. True heroism implies a willingness to sacrifice your own life in order to save others. To be a hero is to present moral superiority in the face of corruption and deception without taking into account your own comfort and safety. But today the world is full of pseudoheroes. Proclaimed by those who benefit from it or have their own reason, because they identify with those whom they proclaim as such.
Today we declare members of our military "heroes." Let me be clear on one thing: I respect and support men and women in the armed forces, but I cannot support the full use of the term “hero” without reducing the respect I have for those who sacrificed their lives to save others. Members of the armed forces are paid wages to do work, and they do it well, no doubt. But in the end it is still a job, and my concept of a hero does not include those who appear at work. The same goes for the police, firefighters and paramedics. This, of course, does not include medical professionals who pay very well for saving lives. It is their job, and we expect them to do it. This is so, the fried cook in conjunction with fast food is the same hero as the soldier, because he also appears and does his job. There is no difference. Can a soldier be killed? So can cook roasted corn, but if this roasted cook stops a robbery attempt and is probably killed during the shot. Then he became a hero.
Being a hero should not be confused with duty. Responsibility is your responsibility to do your job or fulfill your responsibilities. Awaiting your duty. You are not rewarded for it, except that you can earn wages or be recognized for your frankness. The soldier is paid for the work. Doing this job is their duty. If it means to be harmed, then it is their duty to do so. Being a hero means going beyond duty. To do something that would not be solved by the majority of others.
A few years ago, I had the honor of meeting the congress medal “Honor” in a social function. This man, a pilot of a medical helicopter, was responsible for saving the lives of nearly a dozen soldiers caught in a shootout in Vietnam. Despite his own safety, he pulled wounded soldiers from the field, while hundreds of helicopters had machine guns. When other helicopters would not risk returning to the area to get more captured soldiers, he continued to return. He got them all. His helicopter was so hacked that he could not make another trip. He took six .50 cal. bullets on the legs, arms and chest during the flight. He didn't have to do anything. In fact, he was ordered to return to base, but he refused to leave these soldiers trapped. This is a case of extreme heroism. Calling the heroes of all soldiers reduces the term, which is reserved for people like the helicopter pilot.
Obligation - the obligation to comply with the responsibility or oath. Heroism must go "higher and higher call of duty." The list of great heroes in history is long and impressive. Great leaders, politicians, activists and inventors of all types can claim the title. But more than the big names in the story, these are the unsung heroes of everyday life who deserve our admiration the most. An ordinary person who rises on the occasion not because of duty, but out of love and compassion for his neighbors.
The best example I can think of is Rachel Beckwith, who wanted to raise $ 300 dollars by her ninth birthday to help bring clean water to people in poor countries. Tragically, she was killed in a car accident in 2011, $ 80 less than her target immediately after she turned 9 years old. Her cause and her death inspired many others to join fundraising efforts to provide clean drinking water to poor regions around the world. Today, thanks to her efforts, a charitable organization: the water raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and brought clean drinking water to villages, such as the Bayak tribe in the Central African Republic.
Upon learning that people do not have clean water, the 9-year-old girl said: “I don’t want a birthday celebration, I don’t want gifts, I just want people to have clean water. This is the voice of a true hero. A little girl who touched the lives of those she didn’t even know.
