Pictures retrieved from Vanity Fair.
Amid all the positive remarks towards to Caitlyn Jenner finally coming out to the world, a lot of bigoted remarks have been seen as well. Before you say anything, I agree, everyone is entitled to have their own opinion and whether they agree with the transgender community or not. Having our own opinion is a basic right we all possess, and everyone has the right to have an opinion.
However, one opinion has got get me thinking:
Our society defines a hero as someone who does something extraordinary to save something or someone very valuable. A hero has integrity, courage, bravery, & will go where no man has gone before. People worldwide recognize the brave and kind acts of military personnels, officers and firefighters as heroic. It is easily given. However, not the same can be said about transgenders.
In a way, this person is somewhat right. Caitlyn is not really a hero. This is not because she is not part of the military or some kind of respected officer. It is simply because there are numerous transgenders who have suffered inner and outer battles worldwide. Caitlyn is a symbolism of this. A vast majority of transgenders are not accepted into society, received many negative criticisms (much like Caitlyn) and some have literally died in an effort to truly be who they want. Admittedly, Caitlyn is one of the lucky few to receive positive remarks from friends and families. However, there are transgenders who still remain ridiculed – not only from the public but even from family members.
On another note. The comparison of the “hero” status of a transgender finally coming out to those of the military or an officer does not seem right. Both of them are heroes in their own way. Transgenders are seen as heroes for having courage. The courage to introduce themselves as a transgendered being to society while possibly facing harsh judgements, even death. Military personnels, firemen, medical personnels, etc. are heroes because they save lives or fight for our nation. There is a huge difference between the two.
There are various versions of heroes in every form and manner. It all depends on how you define a the status “hero”. No being is necessarily better than the other. We are all of equal. Whether it be transgenders, doctos, EMTs, military personnels, firemen, or even stay at home moms… They all have their own meanings and they are all heroes is someway. If they are not heroes to you, they might be in someone else’s eye.
Everyone has their own opinions to agree or disagree. However, let’s try to put some perspective into our opinions. We all have varying definitions of what a hero means to us and therefore, we must show at least an ounce of respect to everyone. If hero is an olympian who have broken records or even one who has courage, then Caitlyn Jenner may very well be a hero. If a hero is one who have saved someone from dying on a hospital bed, then Caitlyn may not be a hero. As you can see, it’s all about perspective.
… Is Caitlyn Jenner a hero or not?! YOU be the judge! …But have perspective.
Xo! – S
