Liz Warren | Storyteller

Where Are Our Heroes? by Carol Bedner

In doing research for a personal story I discovered the cowboy ethics and code of conduct that were stated and  promoted for girls and boys to follow.  They were from the cowboy heroes seen on TV in the 50's.  Hopalong  Cassidy was the first with his code and  was respected as he valued integrity and honesty and taught right from wrong.  These cowboy heroes were public figures that were idolized and their personal histories demonstrated struggle and survival. 

Where are our heroes today?  Has the media worked too hard in telling truth and all the downsides of public figures?  Why do we idolize the million-dollar sports figures or movie stars whose private lives are a mess?  Am I looking at a simpler time in history when heroes were more starkly defined?  Who are the present day heroes in our lives?  Perhaps we need to look closer to ourselves and those we have daily contact with. Maybe today’s heroes are not public figures but someone we know who is doing a great job with everyday living.

See Hoppy’s code of conduct, plus those of The Lone Ranger, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and several others here: http://www.elvaquero.com/The_Cowboy_Code.htm

 

7 responses to “Where Are Our Heroes? by Carol Bedner”

  1. Mark Compton Avatar
    Mark Compton

    It seems the word “hero” from 9/11/2001 onward has taken on the meaning that ANYBODY who steps beyond their own little private space to lend a hand to someone else is a hero. It’s a great thought, but makes me believe, in our society, lending a helping hand is not longer considered common, but heroic behavior. As I read this comment I just wrote I wonder “Am I cynical”?

    Reply
  2. Mark Goldman Avatar
    Mark Goldman

    Thought provoking post Carol! I am reminded of Charles Barkley’s statement (in a commercial), “I am not a role model”, presumably divesting himself of responsibility for his actions. In truth, we ALL are role models, some positive, and these days, too many negative.

    Reply
  3. Nancy Jennings Avatar
    Nancy Jennings

    When I was growing up, a hero was someone who would be remembered for generations, for centuries, not someone who would be eclipsed by the next person caught in the media spotlight.

    Reply
  4. Maya Avatar
    Maya

    Carol,
    I love the thought that our heroes might be someone we know who’s doing a great job of living. Not easy to do! Thanks

    Reply
  5. Peggy Babbitt Avatar
    Peggy Babbitt

    Carlo, I think it is nice to have a heroes I did not have the Lone Ranger. Nevertheless, I had my Grandma. The code of ethic are great and it would be nice if more heroes had ethic like the Lone Ranger.

    Reply
  6. Louise Laux Avatar
    Louise Laux

    Carol,
    I’ve just seen this post, but I do remember the heroes. I agree that we need to see them…and what they stood for again.

    Reply
  7. Ruth Shaw Noble Avatar
    Ruth Shaw Noble

    Yes, Carol where indeed are our herors? We watched Joseph Campbell’s interview again last night and I believe you have touched upon the same theme as Campbell did. Sometimes I think our heros don’t have to be of times past, or an adult we know, but often the young ones around me show me what a hero is as they take a journey everyday. Thats for re-igniting some old thoughts.

    Reply

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