Be a Real Hero

Our world has good people and bad. Unfortunately there are many evils out in this planet that we live on, fortunately we have many heroes trying to protect us from these evils. Heroes are trending the U.S. and probably the world; lately we have had more and more Marvel movies starring all of our favorite action heroes. However, the best kind of protector does not even wear a cape or fly. A real hero is unknown and humble of his or her work. I feel there is a huge problem of people claiming to be heroes and how we are mislead to find them. I will list several opinions I have claimed after doing a little observing.

My biggest point and largest pet peeve is the KONY movement. I do not doubt that the organization does good things and has a good motive. But I disagree with a lot of its surrounding aftermaths. For a month last semester, everywhere I looked on campus, whether it was someone’s profile picture or random T-shirt on campus KONY was being advertised. I never took up the trend, because I wanted to do more research and find out more about something I would potentially display on myself publically. But now, do any of us see this video that everyone was so excited about trending? I don’t see any shirts or remnants of this large movement. Although Joseph Kony is still at large, I see no more coverage about it. Now I don’t mind when people do good things, but make sure not to claim to do them when you really had nothing to do with them. I highly doubt many people actually donated money or put volunteer time into the project. And simply posting a video wont stop a nation’s child abuse problems. The video that was shown was also altered in a way where it showed truth, but in a warped way that gave the wrong perception of the problem. They make Joseph Kony (whom is a horrible person) look like he is the only one to blame, and that if we eliminate Kony it will solve all of the problems. Unfortunately, Uganda’s problems cant be solved by ridding it of one man. Secondly, Kony doesn’t work alone; he has many followers and people who are just as evil. Don’t get me wrong, I want that country’s problems solved, and I pray for all those who are suffering and rejoice that the movement has made some progress. But, if you really want to help, do something deeper than Facebook: donate money or do service work. Just make sure the next time you want to be part of a movement, you know all the facts, know what your signing up for and if you really want to be a hero, don’t put it on Facebook.

My second point is that you must research what you are getting involved in. Many movements ask for money to help their cause, but how much of your donation really goes into the end result? Before you donate any money, you should ask what percent of your check will actually go to the cause. I think you would be surprised at where the money actually goes. Most charities give less than 15 percent to their cause, and I believe less than 50 percent is too low. Although these charities want to help a cause, they do need to pay bills and their workers, so you cannot expect all of your money to go to the one cause. So if you remember nothing else, make sure to always ask or research whatever you are becoming involved in. If you do want to do something good, there are many ways to do so in your community in order to directly do some good. Go to the local food shelf, donate time at a homeless shelter or find something else that suits your needs.

I also want to point out that a humble deed is the most special kind of deed. Real heroes in this world are unheard of, because they do good things out of the kindness of their heart. They not only help not to make a scene of it or become more popular, they help because they care. I find it sad that many celebrities and politicians do service work with big cameras behind their backs to get more voters or fans. Large companies do the same; many industries make their workers do service work because their customers will be more attracted to them for being a caring country. Where is the kindness in that? I think it is wonderful that they are helping people, but isn’t it ironic that they do it more to help themselves? Think about it. So, to all you real heroes that do great things and tell no one, thank you from the bottom of my heart-- your work is appreciated.

To conclude, I want to make sure I don’t sound heartless. I love when people want to change our world, because a lot of change is needed. All I want is for people to educate themselves and commit to what they are involved in. Do your research and find something that you are comfortable with. But, most importantly, be humble-- real good deeds are not bragged about. Be a real hero.

Holland is a senior majoring in Apparel, Retail Merchandise and Design