It’s such a shame that succumbing to hero worship is becoming more and more common within human society.
The concept of putting faith in one individual is flawed in itself, yet it remains almost necessary for survival. Change can only be made via group efforts; putting one’s sole faith in a single individual makes it impossible for anything to get done, as one person cannot be a master of all trades. Some do hold many talents, yet there will inevitably be some area in which they flounder. In order for a group to work successfully, each member must play an active role in whatever region they happen to be specialized in; a machine needs many parts to operate.
However, everyone likes to cheer on a lead singer, a pretty face, an icon. Some need to. There’s a reason why monotheistic religions are still such a large influence in today’s world.
If one gains a significant amount of faith in another, that faith can become difficult to completely let go of. This erects a moral concern should the hero fail in some regard.
Once one obtains power, the urge to maintain that power by any means necessary takes form. Paranoia sets in, instilling a fear of others who may try to take the crown. Prestige and glory must be defended at any cost. The football player who uses steroids and the CEO whose workers are severely underpaid have similar reasons behind their actions. If eyes are not on them, they are nothing.
A hero does a Very Bad Thing, the Very Bad Thing is publicized, and criticism arises. Those with faith can take one of two routes: they can accept that their so-called hero is a flawed human being just like anybody else and make a decision regarding whether continued support is worth the effort or not; or they can continue to view the hero as superhuman, elevated. By choosing to maintain the myth of the superhero one opens up two more paths: they can spiral into a depression at the realization of anything that contradicts with the hero’s preconceived facade, not unlike the preteen girl bawling over her favorite pop star getting married; or they can wage war against the slightest criticism, as the superhero is to them impenetrable and any negative analysis is the untruth. Common sense too often takes a backseat to blind worship and obsession. One’s brain must maintain a healthy amount of skepticism alongside a degree of openness in order to cut through the crap and see things for what they really are, not what one desperately wants them to be.
Tags: celebrity, collectivism, humanity, media, ranting, society