By idolizing those whom we honor, we do a disservice both to them and to ourselves . . .We fail to recognize that we could go and do likewise.
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Process of Hero-making
James Loewen quotes Charles V. Willie at the beginning of his essay, "Handicapped by History: the Process of Hero-making." How do you think history will remember Michael Phelps and his historic performance at the Beijing Olympic Games? How has "the process of hero-making" that Loewen describes affected what you think of Phelps? Do you think he and his legacy will fall victim to "heroification"? And finally, consider how this quote applies to Michael Phelps:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
I think that too many people have considered Phelps to be overpraised, and that he and his legacy have already fallen victim to "heroification". I think that heroification is something different though. I think that by over-thinking what we call and how we honor someone, we are not acting on our true instinct. I think that it is right to idolize Michael Phelps because he is someone who achieved a great success. Loewen asserts that, when we do idolize someone, we will forget our own opportunities. This is downright ludicrous. Just because we see someone achieving at the highest level, does not mean that we disregard our own trials. While considering a person such as Phelps, I do not think anybody would forget that he works hard, just as we would have to in order to be in his position. Loewen is very argumentative about praising people, and I don't think he handles this statement well. He does not even explain why idolizing someone is a disservice to that person. Furthermore, he does not mention how idolization could be positive. The antithesis of this statement is probably true as well: By idolizing those whom we honor, we can recognize that we could go and do likewise.
Well first off I think Phelps is the wrong person to be questioned about this subject of hero-making. I believe this because in the Loewen's article he makes out that in the past when these people that were classified under heroification victims/honorees were at the time in the publics eye not a hero. Like the Helen Keller situation she was looked at as an inspiration in her developmental years, but when became older and more mature she became a radical commie which in most cases is frowned upon. Then we try to predict what this will be like for Michael Phelps. Unless Michael Phelps in some period of time is caught doing steroids or found cheeting, I dont know what of his bads is going to be over looked like as in Helen Keller and Woodrow Wilson's place. But in reference to the quote, I think it will take a long period of time before someone else fills Phelp's shoes. Like it took 36 years for someone (Phelps) to come around and beat Spitz record at the 1972 Munich Games. But Spitz could have and should have been classified as a hero, and his record probably seemed unreachable. This brings up the part of the quote that says "we fail to recognize that we could go and do likewise". Phelps looked past the unreachable and surpassed this record.
Michael Phelps is without a doubt a hero however the process that is described in Loewen's article of heroification does somewhat apply to Phelps. His accomplishments are great and he is the world's greatest Olympic swimmer. The only real detail that the media leave out about Phelps are of his DUI. Other than that though, Phelps is portrayed as a down to earth person who has dealt with a lot in his life. There is no one side of the story with Phelps' road to victory. Also, the idea that idolizing Phelps will deter people from following their dreams is illogical. The idea of having heroes and people to look up to is so that we can go and realize that our own dreams and goals are attainable. Phelps is not a 'fake hero' he was a regular guy who followed his dreams and made everyday people realize they can do the same.
In response to what Jakob said, I agree that you cannot compare Michael Phelps to Helen Keller. Keller has been made into a historical figure that is an inspiration for children but nothing more. Her adult life is completely erased because of her socialistic outlook on life. It seems that Phelps will take his fame to benefit society.
In response to Kate,
I agree how Phelps gives people hope that dreams are reachable and the skys the limit. I wouldn't see Phelps as a fake hero either in no shape or form, over five billion people watch Phelps shatter six world records and earned eight gold medals. Also about the DUI situation, like discussed in class America loves a come back kid, so this would help or support the argument of how he has overcame struggles and concurred his goals. Also proving that you don't have to be super human to achieve your hopes and dreams, even though Phelps has as close to it gets of a super human physical build.
Michael Phelps is an amazing athlete and he will have a place in history for winning 8 gold medals at a single Olympic game and for breaking world record times. Around the world and in the U.S, people admire him and his accomplishments. In regards to Loewen’s notion about herofication, I think Phelps has fallen victim to some of the glorification, but I don’t think it would be a “disservice” to look up to Phelps. Loewen’s definition of heroificaton is when textbooks or in this case the media “turn-flesh-and-blood individuals into pious, perfect creatures without conflicts, pain, credibility or human interest” (463). I don’t think that Phelps is perfect in any way. His performance may have been, but I think that the media has been so caught up with Phelps as an athlete that they forget he is a real person. We hardly hear about the fact that he had a DUI and that he struggled with ADHD. Loewen also says that portraying historical figures with such a positive view “invoke the people to excuse questionable actions and policies” (471). I think that’s the reason why we don’t hear anything negative about Michael Phelps. But to be honest, there isn’t a lot of negative things to say about him. In regards to the quote, I don’t see how it applies to Michael Phelps. People look up to Michael Phelps not because they want to achieve the same exact things he did but because they admire his strength and endurance and want to have those same qualities. Loewen says that heroification is “crippling to students because they end up without realistic role models to inspire them.” (476) Michael Phelps would be a great role model for kids and even adults because his message is to achieve your dreams and keep fighting for what you want. I don’t see how this is a disservice or how he wouldn’t be a realistic role model.
Since Phelps is already thought of as a hero, I believe that he will continue to be seen as one throughout history. He has shattered world records and is known for his uncanny unique swimmers physique. Phelps already is and will go down in history. Loewen’s examples of “heroification”, Keller and Wilson, are very different examples than Phelps’. They have very different situations. While Keller and Wilson are only discussed and known for one or two main points, the description of Phelps in the tabloids and such is pretty well-rounded. Although he is constantly praised for his extraordinary swimming skills, his ADHD and humble personality are often mentioned. Phelps has been illustrated as a talented, down-to-earth guy. The media, from what I know, has not disclosed any negative information about Phelps. True, his DUI is rarely spoken about, but having a DUI does not make Phelps a different person. Wilson’s unspoken racism and negative treatment towards black people does change who he is as a person. Like Jake said, if at one point Phelps begins to take steroids, and that is disclosed from the public, the idea of “heroification” will be a more accurate term.
The quote implies that those who idolize Phelps will not realize they can be just as good because they are too focused on Phelps himself. Phelps is nothing but an inspiration to kids. By watching this ADHD affected child, who was teased in school, succeed gives kids, who are in the same position as he was, a reason to take a change on something they love. Maybe it’s basketball, whatever the activity or passion is, Phelps has shown these kids, and children in general, that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. In fact, Phelps could have used Spitz’s record as an inspiration for himself.
Kate, I agree with most of what you said, except for the comment on the DUI. Phelps has been more or less extensively depicted as a hardworking, natural born swimmer. His slip with the law does not take any of that away. Like I mentioned above, his DUI does not change who he is, but it’s a mistake. Being racist is more than a mistake. If all the media left out is this one detail, it would be a slight form of “heroification” because it would be hiding a minor flaw, but, so far, it has not been kept secret.
The world will remember Phelps purely for his undeniable talent and his ability to evoke pandemonium. Swimmers for the rest of time will be rightfully compared to him because he will be one of the greatest of all time. In terms of hero making, I have done my best to avoid the effects of that by realizing he is not super human. He has made mistakes like everyone else and though he is an incredible swimmer he still makes mistakes and he has been humbled by them. And though his historic accomplisments may overshadow his faults they dont make them disappear. But because we Americans love the underdog we will forget his faults and glorify his feats and Michael Phelps will fall victim to heroification.
Lastly I agree completely with the qoute from Lowen's article.. I was actually thinking about that while reading the aritcle in the NY Times where Phelps is the new Aquaman. People don't realize that these "heroes" are normal people who wanted something and went for it... Nothing more nothing less.
In response to Brad...
I think the disservice to people Lowen refers to is their ability to just be human. Heroes are not allowed to make mistakes they don't get to live normal lives. Heroes are basically set up to fail i think.
Throughout history Phelps will be remembered as one of greatest athletes of all time because of his great aspiration of winning eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games. It is possible that Phelps’ legacy could fall prey to “heroification.” It is already somewhat present in the newspaper articles and interviews concerning Phelps. Most of the publicity surrounding Phelps portrays him in a positive light and the reporters choose to leave out some of the mistakes that he has made. However, Phelps’ positive attributes clearly out shine the negative aspects in his life and for that reason he should in some ways be called a “hero.” Phelps has not only helped the sport of swimming, but he has also become an inspiration for others to follow. In response to the quote, I do not believe that when we honor someone for their achievements we are doing ourselves a disservice because we forget that we can accomplish the same attainment. I think that when we admire and give high regard to someone we motivate and encourage ourselves to maybe one day follow in the footsteps of Phelps and other accomplished athletes.
Erica Ellermeyer
In response to Kate I agree with you that some of the characteristics of “heroification” do somewhat apply to Phelps. Many of the publicity concerning Phelps only contains positive acknowledgement of him and the only negative detail that the media has shared with the general public is that Phelps got caught driving under the influence and that was significantly downplayed. I also agree with you that Phelps is the perfect example of a hero because he has taken his recognition and admiration and he has done something positive with it by opening a new swim club in Baltimore and I am sure that in the future he will do many more kind acts of service for society.
Erica Ellermeyer
Michael Phelps will be remembered for his performance at the Beijing Olympics in many textbooks and articles to come, yet not in the same context as Helen Keller or President Woodrow Wilson were. Phelps did not lead our nation through a war or claim himself a radical socialist. His is and will continue to be seen in a different light because of this. In my opinion I cannot see many reasons for the negativity of the heroification process to affect Phelps unless he makes bad decisions down the road. Currently, he has only been in trouble with the law for a DUI and a few other minor scandals. Additionally, these types of offenses are one’s usually seen within celebrities and not someone that you will read about in history textbooks.
In response to the quote found in the passage, I find it very true.
When one honors someone, in this instance Michael Phelps, assumptions are automatically made that he is better then everyone and thus is being recognized for it. Is this to say that others cannot come close to what he has achieved, or for that matter even consider striving for something that remarkable. In addition, by labeling someone with the title of “hero” they themselves have to deal with the responsibilities and outcomes of that title, which is not always positive as Loewen outlined in his writing.
In response to other's comments regarding the quote I do believe hero's acquire an image as if they are not allowed to be human. In this case though, I do not believe that this image sets them up for failure solely because people are viewing them in a different light. Yes, they may have more of a difficulty dealing with a minor incident due to the fact that it will be publicized for many to see, yet it is in these times that we can truly look up to someone known as a "hero" in regards to how they handle such a matter. Overall, Phelps has not been seen in a negative light as Loewen implies the process of heroification leads to.
In response to what Yesenia said, I agree. This quote simply does not apply to Phelps, because he is an inspiration, not a deterrent. It's almost as if Loewen does not want anyone to be overly praised for their accomplishments, but he's only considering examples where media has portrayed someone as a better person than they actually are. The current media would have done a good job in finding Phelps' flaws if it could have. Loewen's opinion is very assertive, and asks you to suspend opinion, which is sort of insulting.
In response to Ashley: I agree that herofication does make it difficult to deal with incidents because the person is in the public light and may feel a lot of pressure to be perfect. Michael Phelps is not perfect and he doesn’t act like he is. It’s the Media that portrays him in such a positive light even though he has flaws. I agree that we should look at how a person deals with their problems instead of focusing on the problem itself.
Michael Phelps is allready a hero, therefore he can't fall victim to Heroification. His accomplishments have been remarkable and to say that he in ten or twenty years could be seen differently is very unlikely. Heroification has a tendency to hide the bad facts about someone and glorify their accomplishements. Since Michael Phelps doesn't seem to have any bad qualities and his accomplishmnets are so great they cant be embellished, I feel that it is safe to say that Michael will not fall victim to heroification. The counter to this is that since I know of none of his bad qualities and allready believe him to be a hero, maybe hes has allready been through the heroification process. Also Loewens quote is very inaccurate. Try as I might I could never accomplish what Michael Phelps did. Michael Phelps is genetically more adapt for swimming than I am.
In response to Bradison, I agree that Loewen claim is quiet unsubstantiated and needs further explanation.
I think Phelps’ fame and any “heroification” he receives right now is all deserved. He personifies the American dream and way. He embodies hope for those who might not thing the un-reachable are attainable. Those who think Phelps is receiving too much praise have not focused enough attention to his statistics. His only blatant negative would be his DUI three years ago. Heroification implies that someone’s negatives are being overlooked in favor of their accomplishments. This is not possible in Phelps case since his negatives are so minimal
Post a Comment