| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| hunkpapa7 |
Posted - March 19 2005 : 6:54:02 PM
We were soldiers once,has just been shown on our TV here,loved the lines "wonder how Custer felt"with the reply "Custer was a *****"
Dissapointed Martin didn't appear,or maybe he has skedaddled along with Reno and Benteen.I give the film ** |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| joseph wiggs |
Posted - June 11 2005 : 12:44:07 PM
Trish, your definition of a hero is absolutely correct. However, in my mind, it defines one type of hero when there is another type to consider,as well. For example, your definition neglects to include the exceptional person who perform not so extraordinarily yet, are considered to be icons today. Jim Bowie was a celebrity in his own lifetime. Even though he probably never had an honest job in his life, dabbled in slavery, and was a drunk. At the close of the battle, he was in a semi-conscious state due to an illness and performed no dashing last stand heroics. In Texas, however, he enjoys a hero status. Why?
Could it be that at a specific point in time under specific
circumstances germane to a specific, cultural need, heroes are created out of the good, the bad, and the ugly?
I believe that Custer was abundantly brave to a point of being foolhardy, a characteristic that played a critical part in his death, and the death of his men. Yet, many men/women would envy this particular trait of his. Many would classify him a Hero for no other reason than his bravery.
Astonishingly, a recent poll in Russia declared that the majority of Russians wish that one of the most evil, despicable, persons who ever existed, Stalin, were alive today to lead their Country. Apparently the average Russian now respects his strong leadership qualities and, miss the days when Russia was a dominant, world power. Certainly he was never ordinary!
In my own convoluted way, I guess I'm trying to say that how we pick our hero's is as complex as the individuals we choose. That choice is influence by personal, group, and cultural needs of a people. Hero's are in the eyes of the beholder.
Hoka hey!
Joe
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| movingrobewoman |
Posted - June 06 2005 : 5:25:33 PM
Now wait a second, Joe--
I tend to think that PFC Lori Piestewa was a real hero. To me, heroes are ordinary folks who, in certain circumstance, perform extraordinarily well.
Was Custer a hero? Or was he so inherently courageous (some would call foolhardy) it overcame any semblance of human fear?
Hoka hey! |
| joseph wiggs |
Posted - June 04 2005 : 9:53:24 PM
I always found it interesting that nearly every individual who commented upon Custer's character (past and present), or lack thereof, either loved him or hated him. I can think of no one who used mediocre phases like, "Oh, he was O.K., I guess" or "I understand where he was coming from I just wish he weren't so pushy." How can one man cause so much division, love, and rancor from so many people?
Perhaps his persona reflected all that we love and hate in ourselves. Courage under battle/panic under battle,confidence/ arrogance, pleasant physical attributes/short in stature with a pot belly, etc. etc. etc.
When one looks into a mirror, which Custer does one see? Hero's are reflective of a complex mixture of contemporaneous social norms and the individual likes and dislike of any society. Perhaps in an era of pacifism, personal interest groups, bi-partisan politics over the collective good, and massive ego's, theres simply no time left for Hero's. Perhaps they have all gone the way of Santa Clause, the Tooth Faerie, and wishes upon a twinkling star. I for one will miss them. |
| hunkpapa7 |
Posted - March 22 2005 : 2:57:13 PM
Joe,wait till you see the film,I dont want to spoil it for you.
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| joseph wiggs |
Posted - March 21 2005 : 7:32:39 PM
I have not seen this film yet so I won't make any comment pro or con. Having said that, my personal experience has been that individuals who believe Custer to be nothing more than a (an)"*****" have only a cursory amount of knowledge regarding this battle. A painstaking incursion into this event will reveal a complex and intricate responsibility of fault for many of the participants. |
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