In his book, Grace V Self-Esteem, Aussie author Brett Glover analyses how heroes have changed with the advent of film and television.
WHAT SORT OF SUPERHERO DO WE WANT? PICTURE: Laura Glover/www.freeimages.com
Before ‘screen culture’, heroes were marked by the sacrifices they had made for the community. The years of hard work and suffering they had endured. Risking their own lives for others, and unselfishness.
After a few years of screen culture, our heroes became known for their looks, wealth, lucky breaks, and their association with brand names clothing and selfishness.
Indeed, when the young watch a film about some great person of history who lived those original values, they will more likely aspire to be like the actor who played them in the film, than the person themself!
Wow. What are we doing to ourselves when our heroes do nothing that is actually heroic?
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
