What's the difference between a hero and a role model?
“You’re my hero!” I interpret this to mean that the person referred to is someone they want to emulate—i.e., it is synonymous with “role model.” Is that all? Doesn’t heroism mean something more? What does it mean when you claim a hero as your own?
I am used to thinking of heros in the Campbellian way—as the main protagonist in the story. It is a person who travels on the path of the hero’s journey; who overcomes multiple obstacles, and eventually achieves what he or she set out to achieve allowing him or her to come home with a boon for the community.
In this way, it is a template for stories. It is also a filter that people use to view their own lives. Our lives are continuous, but when we talk about them, we have to choose beginning points and ending points. In between, we are the heros of our lives and this story is the story of our heroic journeys.
Somehow, having someone specific as a hero seems like it is in a different category, and it should mean more than “role model,” but does it? Do you have people you consider to be “your hero” in life? Why did you choose them as your hero? What does it mean when you claim them as your hero?
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To me, the difference is the presence of awe. My heroes are people I’m somewhat in awe of. I look at my role models as people, with loads of respect and affection, but less awe.
To me, a pathetic human being can become a hero because he had the right instinct at the right moment in the right place, but any scrutiny of his way of life will show the opposite of a role model. Example: guy saves a baby from a building on fire but is a racist and wife beater. A role model, on the other, can lead an exemplary but normal life and never do anything spectacularly brave.
I think a role model might be someone you could hope to emulate, while a hero in Campbell’s sense, is accomplishing mythic tasks that you could not imagine achieving. I see a role model as closer to real life. It is a subtle distinction.
@janbb I couldn’t agree more, I think you hit the nail right on the head!
You tell me. You’ve referred to me numerous times as your hero.
You’ve never said I was a role model.
@Blondesjon Dude. I thought we agreed we were going to keep that between ourselves (and the 500 other people who were paying attention)
Anyway, don’t you think we should cool it in public? Next thing you know, @jonsblond is going to be asking something like: “what can I do to keep my husband from running off with this huge ass?”
Building on @janbb‘s mention of subtle distinctions and role models being “closer to real life,” I’ve always labeled certain individuals as my hero because of some momentary accomplishment.
Along those lines, I think role models are not always immediately recognized as important or influential in one’s life because their qualities and actions aren’t so “flashy” or obvious.
Identifying a hero seems to be a case of fleeting admiration while the influence of role models is long-lasting. I think the “real life” aspect of role models is in contrast to the perception that the accomplishments (or fame / recognition / awe) of heroes seems unattainable, a dream quality for someone. I wonder if this involves some amount of envy.
Role models are ordinary people, often people very close to you, who provide a complete framework of good human qualities against which you can measure yourself at any point in time. A strong role model is far more meaningful in the scope of life and often leaves an impression no less powerful than that which the hero leaves.
@Beta_orionis role models are ordinary people , nice description
Very often scientists are portrayed as role models. Eager to learn, analyze and offer solutions. But the hero is the one who saves the Earth. Take Bruce Willis in Armageddon.
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