Last night, on the finale of TNT’s The Hero, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson asked contestants to define what it means to be a hero. On the show, contestants have competed for the title of #TheHero in challenges of strength, courage and integrity, so many of them offered strong perspectives on true heroism.
For #HeroDave, heroism is “Not being afraid, rising up to the occasion, having courage, and taking it on. It’s about what you’ve got inside and how you treat other people with respect and honor.”
For #HeroDarnell, “Just because the odds are against you, doesn’t mean you don’t give up.”
#HeroShaun believes, “A hero has heart, passion, and honesty.”
“A hero is someone who puts others before themselves,” according to #HeroRachel
Throughout the season, many viewers felt #HeroCharles was the favored hero. He believes, “A hero is able to give up what they want most for something greater.” He is certain a hero doesn’t go at it alone. “With every act of strength, there’s a stronger person behind that — whether it’s your family, your mother, your friends… even strangers that influence you. In the end, that act represents all those people.”
No definition better describes the wonder and power of the Red Cross grassroots volunteer movement than Charles’.
#HeroPatty believes “A hero is someone who gives selflessly without trying to get anything back. It just comes from inside.” She won the coveted title of “The Hero” based on viewer votes. In her opinion, “A hero is one word. A hero is someone who is ‘willing.’ Any situation… whether it is holding a door for someone, getting a cup of coffee, saving someone’s life…”
I think of our volunteers who head into devastation as others must evacuate, based on Patty’s definition. I think of neighbors who’ve lost everything in a disaster… and help their neighbors anyhow.
In the show, at times, things got dramatic, thrilling, heart-stopping, good-hearted, and silly like when The Rock talked about his abs. But oftentimes, it was inspiring and it revealed its own acts of heroism. In team challenges, contestants earned $100,000 to support the Red Cross mission and reminded viewers to “Be a hero” by getting involved. TNT and The Rock reminded us to rise to the occasion. They celebrated heroes who alleviate suffering and save lives every day, like 91-year old volunteer, James Greason, who responds to home fires in Atlanta, GA. They certainly got us thinking and wanting to be more and do more.
What do you think it means to be a hero?
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