Humans are obsessed with creating heroes. It’s something we’re taught to do from a very early age, like when we celebrated our heroes in elementary school by making projects about them. Even as teenagers and adults, we’re constantly asked who inspires us.
It stings when you see your hero’s name hit the headlines and watch them get ripped apart, but it hurts even more when you realize they deserve it. Over time, people have grown numb to seeing an icon get torn to the ground because something from their past resurfaced. We’re taught that this one person accomplished something so great, that we should look to them for inspiration, but time and time again, we see that nobody is truly a perfect role model.
Instead of putting one person in the spotlight for their accomplishments, we should focus more on the accomplishment itself, whether it be a movement, a form of artistry, or whatever else had a positive impact on society. Focusing on the accomplishment will prevent someone being put on a pedestal for being such an impeccable person, and then disappointing everyone when their mistakes get put on display.
Cesar Chavez is a household name. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, American farmers were struggling. They did a lot of grueling labor for very little pay in unsafe working conditions all while they had no legal protections. Chavez was the spearhead of the Farmworker’s Movement, advocating for higher wages and better conditions through nonviolent acts such as strikes, protests, and boycotts. He quickly became a hero to many.
While he was helping some Americans secure a better life, though, he was sexually abusing women and children. According to the New York Times, he repeatedly assaulted Ana Murguia and raped Debra Rojas while they were both underage girls. Murguia suffered so much from the abuse, she tried to take her own life multiple times at only 15 years old. He took advantage of multiple women that worked alongside him, including his partner, Dolores Huerta. Together they started the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), and the public praised them for being such a strong and hardworking duo. What the public didn’t know was Chavez raped Huerta in his vehicle.
The Farmworker’s Movement was a huge success. It raised wages, improved working conditions, and led to the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which gave farmers the right to engage in union activities. But instead of celebrating this important achievement and the thousands of Americans involved, one man was shoved into the spotlight. Chavez was the hero, and has only become more revered over time. When his horrible actions were revealed, it took down a hero for an entire community and now is being used against them. This is why we can’t put people on pedestals and act like they can do no wrong.
It’s argued that heroes are essential because they give us hope and courage in difficult times. While it’s true that humans benefit from some inspirational people and their stories, it’s always taken too far. Names should be recognized but shouldn’t be more famous than accomplishments. People are complicated and naturally imperfect. That’s why you always hear people say “Never meet your heroes.”
If you need a role model to help you through tough times, just close your computer and look up around you. There are everyday heroes all around in your daily life. Look up to someone that you truly know, not someone you crafted in your head. It will lead to less disappointment.
Making the shift from heroes to achievements might be hard, but it will benefit you in the long run. Their accomplishments that benefit you and the rest of society are what we should really be focusing on because they will never leave a community feeling lost or abandoned.
