Authors:Arash Heydarian Pashakhanlou Abstract: This study develops a four-factor framework (4F model) based on fear, suffering, values, and characteristics for analyzing depictions of physical-risk martial heroism. Specifically, this framework is applied to assess representations of two World War II flying aces, the Royal Air Force pilot Douglas Bader and his German contemporary from the Luftwaffe, Erich Hartmann. On investigation, it is revealed that Bader and Hartmann are either described as fearless or capable of continuing their heroic journey despite their fears. Moreover, the literature contends that both these pilots experienced immense suffering but eventually overcame them. Regarding values, Bader is portrayed as a conservative patriot, whereas Hartmann is said to be a romantic and chivalrous hero. In terms of their characteristics, the depictions of Bader highlight both his positive and negative traits, whereas the darker sides of the hero are virtually absent in the rosy representations of Hartmann. PubDate: Sat, 01 Jul 2023 03:09:00 PDT
Authors:James K. Beggan et al. Abstract: During the Covid-19 pandemic, politicians, the media, and the public labeled frontline workers as heroes. The goal of this article is to examine how certain aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic—such as the nature of the Covid-19 virus, coupled with insufficient governmental and institutional responses—created a situation where it became possible for people to characterize healthcare workers as villains. This approach to medical professionals is rather novel in heroism studies and social sciences. A qualitative review of available data sources provided evidence that frontline healthcare workers were perceived negatively. Experiencing a lack of cooperation from patients and their families, healthcare personnel were forced to deal with institutional constraints that exacerbated these conflicts. Variables that could influence being villainized included the social value orientation and political persuasion of perceivers, as well as structural factors related to the transmission of effective and accurate information, including biased mass media presentations and genuine uncertainty from scientific sources. PubDate: Fri, 02 Jun 2023 10:10:42 PDT
Authors:Robert D. Cochrane et al. Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the fastest-growing neurological diseases in the world. Pharmaceutical and surgical interventions continue to advance to better address motor symptoms. However, disability from non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and stress persist. Expressive therapies, including art, music, and dance are being explored and implemented more frequently to address this growing need. We developed this study to examine the feasibility of a novel program using online narrative therapy, with constructs from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, and improvisation for people with PD (PWPD). Participants from across the U.S. and U.K. met online via Zoom once a week for one hour over the course of 27 consecutive sessions. A PhD student with a professional background in filmmaking and improvisation developed the sessions and led the program. The primary aim was to assess feasibility, the threshold for which was set at 70% of participants attending a minimum of 75% of the classes. Sixteen of 21 participants (76%) completed the study, with all 16 attending at least 85% of the classes. All participants who completed the study stated they enjoyed the class and would like to continue in the program and see it offered to others with PD. The secondary aim was to explore the participants’ experience within the program using a phenomenological approach. Four major themes emerged: 1) There was a high level of interest in the intervention itself as it was deemed unique; 2) Participants struggled to see their own heroic qualities; 3) They reported high levels of connection within the group and 4) The emphasis on having PD faded, replaced by journeys of self-discovery beyond having PD. PubDate: Sun, 16 Apr 2023 11:45:33 PDT
Authors:Igor Prusa et al. Abstract: In this article, we demonstrate that the antihero archetype informs our understanding of Trump in important ways, including his rise to and fall from power. We introduce an analytical framework for analyzing Trump’s antiheroic traits based on his social positioning, individual motivation, and personal charisma. We argue that Trump is fascinating because he is powerful, amoral, and charismatic, and suggest that the American public was primed for Trumpism through a zeitgeist hospitable to antihero worship. That is, Trump’s dogged popularity with nearly half of the American public was foretold by decades of pop-cultural obsession with, and adulation for, the antihero. PubDate: Fri, 15 Jul 2022 05:30:29 PDT
Authors:Chris Comerford Abstract: The representation of heroism on screens, and the ways we make sense of heroic imagery across them, is the theme of this special issue of Heroism Science. Each article makes the case that our comprehension of heroism can only be augmented and enhanced by the film, the television series, the video game, the news broadcast, the phone camera and the social media stream, all of them on screens that are silver, small and smart. The articles demonstrate how the screen’s ability to display, represent, convey, conjure and critique heroic moments. Moreover, this special issue shows how fictional heroism as a guiding principle has much in common with the guidance of the fictional utopia. We use both concepts as aspects to strive for socially, culturally, technologically, and diplomatically. Our understanding and our seeking the best possible course for humanity is aided and informed by the way we use fiction to metaphorically assess how that course can be undertaken. PubDate: Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:35:32 PDT
Authors:Ann C. Hall Abstract: Three films create the John Wick universe and franchise: John Wick (2014), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), and John Wick: Chapter 3, Parabellum (2019). A fourth film is scheduled to be released in March 2023. All are wildly popular, and all are criticized for violence, particularly gun violence. I argue, however, that by examining the visual references that appear in all the films, it becomes clear that the films are defending themselves from such attacks through their allusions to ancient and classical epics from around the world. As Wick battles his way through museums and beautiful cities, the film reminds us that art, all art—fine and popular--relies on violence. Wick follows many of the traditions of the epic hero, and in the end, thanks to the visual cues in the films, he is no different than Achilles or Hector or even High Noon’s Will Kane. And if there is a hero, and if there is art, there will be blood. PubDate: Sun, 12 Jun 2022 15:25:32 PDT
Authors:Jiarui Bai Abstract: This article explores how heroism is constructed in China’s sociocultural context of values. It identifies a sociocultural novel, film, and heroic TV program as a mechanism for producing heroism for Chinese society. Furthermore, it explores the heroic principles that are generated by these media and how they inform expected actions in China. The article thus argues that the construction of Chinese heroism embodies specific representations of the expectations of humankind, a kind of “governing by worth” in heroism science. The function of these representations, forming heroic idols, could therefore help individuals become heroes with logos and ethos in pathos, subsuming particular heroic qualities within the highest national pursuits of values. Moreover, the analysis engages social Bildung in a collective conversation with art, philosophy, political and cultural studies by drawing on an example of typical Chinese heroic fiction and its transformation into a TV series. In doing so, the analysis demonstrates a reconfiguration of heroic traditions and how this is instantiated in the administering of lives. PubDate: Thu, 02 Jun 2022 01:35:26 PDT
Authors:Christopher D. E. Atkinson et al. Abstract: Whistleblowers are individuals who witness a moral infraction committed within their organization and report this infraction publicly to hold the group accountable. Whistleblowers often face ridicule, vilification, and exclusion both within their group and sometimes within broader society. Thus, whistleblowers put themselves at personal risk to adhere to their moral code and protect others; these criteria commonly classify someone as a hero. We argue diverse reactions to whistleblowers are influenced by numerous situational factors that influence perceptions of a whistleblower’s intentions as well as the expected consequences of their whistleblowing. Whether a whistleblower is viewed as a virtuous reformer (i.e., hero) or a harmful dissident may depend partly on the degree to which individuals believe that there is a discrepancy between an organization’s lived values and their stated values. While whistleblowers ostensibly provide evidence that this discrepancy exists, cognitive dissonance processes may forestall acceptance of this evidence in many cases. Believing that one is affiliated with a corrupt organization—while one also believes that they are a good, moral and adequate person—may lead to uncomfortable experiences of dissonance. It may be easier for many to reduce this dissonance by disparaging or discounting whistleblowers, rather than altering their own actions (which may involve becoming a whistleblower themselves) to reflect their personal values. PubDate: Sat, 23 Apr 2022 14:35:27 PDT
Authors:Melissa Vosen Callens Abstract: Despite the increase of male antiheroes in popular culture, the number of female antiheroes is sparse, particularly when female characters are romantically involved with male antiheroes. There are several reasons for this disparity, partially which can be explained by affective disposition theory. First, female characters are rarely given agency and adequate backstories. Second, in order for female characters to be antiheroes, they typically must challenge gender role stereotypes, especially as they pertain to motherhood. Finally, they are often treated poorly by other characters in the series. All of these reasons have a profound effect on how audiences perceive female characters and whether or not they will accept morally ambiguous behavior from them. In Netflix’s Ozark, however, Wendy Byrde is different. This paper explores Wendy’s partnership with her husband and how it is established early in the series, thus contributing to Wendy’s agency. Because of the agency she is afforded, Wendy successfully challenges gender role stereotypes and achieves antihero status. PubDate: Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:45:34 PDT
Authors:Margaret A. Kneuer et al. Abstract: Research on the theoretical order causally linking heroism to social connectedness and inspiration does not exist to our knowledge (Allison & Green, 2020). We propose that nostalgia is a source of heroism because of the social nature of nostalgic memories. We designed two studies, one correlational and one experimental, to test how nostalgia relates to pursuit of an important goal, through increasing social connectedness, heroic perceptions, and inspiration. Online participants completed an ordinary writing task (Study 1) or were randomly assigned to either a nostalgic or ordinary writing task (Study 2), followed by measures of social connectedness, heroic perceptions, inspiration, and goal pursuit. Nostalgia significantly predicted goal pursuit via social connectedness, heroic perceptions, and inspiration. Theoretical, empirical, and practical implications for future work are discussed. We expanded upon the prosocial function of nostalgia by incorporating heroism into our full sequence. Therefore, we strengthened support for the motivational consequences of nostalgia that can be applied to goal setting and goal pursuit behaviors. PubDate: Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:10:26 PDT
Authors:Scott T. Allison et al. Abstract: For eleven television seasons, viewers of the series Curb Your Enthusiasm have been witness to a main character in Larry David who paradoxically displays attributes that are both endearing and revolting. This article offers an analysis of Larry David’s character with the goal of ascertaining his heroic nature, specifically focusing on whether he best meets the scientific criteria for a hero or for an antihero. Drawing from the literature of heroism science, we examine a large body of evidence from episodes of the series supporting arguments for both heroism and antiheroism in Larry’s character. Consistent with definitions of heroism, Larry manifests deviance, humility, loyalty to principles, and a growth mindset. Yet consistent with antiheroism, Larry shows selfishness, social insensitivity, manipulativeness, and resistance to growth. We conclude that any inconsistencies in his character can be understood through a consideration of Curb Your Enthusiasm’s comedic goals and sensibilities. PubDate: Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:31:54 PST
Authors:Tom Voigt et al. Abstract: This study explored aspects of Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) amongst Australian Bravery Award recipients exposed to serious or life-threatening trauma. PTG is the process whereby some people experience growth following traumatic experiences. Previous PTG research has focused on specific disasters, incidents or cohorts of survivors. We explored a range of incidents in both civilian and non-civilian award recipients. Sixty-five Australian Bravery Award recipients (37 civilian and 28 non-civilian) completed the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory and provided additional demographic information about their bravery incident. Results showed that civilians experienced significantly higher growth (mean PTG score = 49.7 than non-civilians (mean PTG score = 29.5). PTG varied by gender, with female award recipients having much higher PTG scores (mean 65.9) than males (mean 29.5). Australian Bravery Award recipients involved in violent incidents reported significantly higher PTG, with civilians involved in firearm related incidents reporting a mean PTG score of 65.5 compared to non-civilians at 34.8. Not all individuals involved in traumatic incidents have PTG, however we found that 73% of civilian bravery award recipients experienced moderate to high levels of growth following serious life-threatening incidents compared with 22.1% of non-civilians. PubDate: Sat, 12 Feb 2022 06:25:23 PST
Authors:Liz Stillwaggon Swan Abstract: The Hero Handbook, authored by Matt Langdon, offers an informative and practical guide for heroism for both preadolescent readers and adults. The book includes numerous personal anecdotes from his own hero journey and countless references to children’s literature. Each chapter includes “Check Out the Science!” insets written by psychologist Brian Riches, who explains in simple terms the neuroscience underlying various concepts related to heroism. Topics include the hero’s journey, bullying and anti-bullying, the active bystander, and the science of becoming a hero. PubDate: Mon, 03 Jan 2022 08:50:24 PST
Authors:James K. Beggan Abstract: Whistleblowers can be viewed as heroic actors who reveal institutional misdeeds. In contrast, conspiracy theorists are seen as members of a marginalized element perpetuating misinformation. Despite this apparent difference, the present analysis focuses on how similarities between the two constructs can allow a target to discredit a whistleblower accusation by countering that the whistleblower is operating as part of a conspiracy. More generally, this paper considers how the difficulty inherent in disproving conspiracy theory claims facilitates their utility as a defense. The case study of President Donald Trump’s responses to whistleblower accusations are considered to illustrate the arguments. PubDate: Wed, 30 Jun 2021 03:45:32 PDT
Authors:Brian K. Richardson et al. Abstract: Many whistleblowers perform heroic acts, but not all whistleblowers are heroes. Motivation, method, and risk vary across whistleblower contexts. Although many whistleblowers portray aspects of archetypal heroism, research is needed to specify the qualities of heroic whistleblowers from non-heroic whistleblowers. The present study aims to develop an archetype of heroic whistleblowers. We identify five dimensions of whistleblowing heroism and then draw upon data from interviews that we conducted with 32 actual whistleblowers to provide examples of each element. We argue there are five dimensions of the whistleblowing process that distinguish heroic whistleblowers. The five dimensions include 1) motivation for blowing the whistle (altruistic vs. selfish), 2) complicity in the wrongdoing (bystander vs. complicit), 3) level of risk for exposing the wrongdoing (high risk vs. low risk), 4) whistleblower effect (efforts led to positive change vs. efforts produced little or no change), and 5) whistleblower willingness (they would blow the whistle again vs. they would not blow the whistle again). We argue whistleblowers exemplify heroism when they expose wrongdoing for altruistic reasons, are not complicit in the unethical behavior, they assume a high level of risk to their safety, reputation, or career, when their efforts lead to constructive changes, and when the whistleblower remains vigilant in their willingness to combat wrongdoing. We conclude by offering propositions, limitations, and future research possibilities. PubDate: Sun, 20 Jun 2021 17:20:30 PDT
Authors:Golan Shahar et al. Abstract: The realization that heroism – representing either a trait or a value system – is potentially pernicious is important for both scientific and societal reasons. In this article, we adopt a psychobiographical perspective to analyze the character and life of one of Israel’s greatest heroes, Yonathan (“Yoni”) Netanyahu. Yoni was an illustrious military leader, as well as an outstanding intellectual and adored persona. He served as the commander of the special operation forces spearheading the famous Entebbe Operation during which Israeli commando forces rescued hostages taken captive in Uganda. Yoni was the only military causality in this operation, which was ultimately named after him. Subsequent to his death, his numerous personal letters were made public, allowing further glimpses into his heroic self-representations but also to the emotional distress he suffered. Applying our theory of heroic self-representations (HERS; Shahar, 2013), we analyze Yoni's letters. Our analyses confirm Yoni's tendency to construe himself as a savior and conqueror, and to identify with cultural heroes. The emotional distress Yoni suffered is characterized by depressed and anxious affect, masked by superb functioning. Qualitative analyses of the letters suggest two mechanisms of the effect of heroic self-representations on distress in Yoni's case: compulsive purposefulness and emotional seclusion. PubDate: Fri, 19 Mar 2021 07:50:33 PDT
Authors:Ann C. Hall Abstract: Roman Polanski’s Chinatown (1974) presents one of film’s most memorable failed heroes, Jake Giddes. Because of its grim ending, critics tend to conclude that it is an existential noir or a reflection on Polanski’s life and times, his escape from the Holocaust as a child, the death of his wife Sharon Tate, or political events such as Watergate and Vietnam. By examining the film as through the genre of tragedy, Giddes becomes a tragic, not failed, hero, a character who can show us how to suffer nobly. PubDate: Sun, 02 Aug 2020 05:50:34 PDT
Authors:James K. Beggan Abstract: In the context of polyamorous relationships, a unicorn can be defined as a single, bisexual woman interested in forming a relationship with a heterosexual couple. Heroism scholars have suggested that the hero’s journey (or monomyth) can be used as a framework for understanding everyone’s life. By extension, it would be possible to frame the search for a receptive unicorn as a hero’s quest. Unicorn hunters are stigmatized by the general public for challenging the monogamyth, i.e., the monogamy norm. They are also criticized by the polyamorous community for privileging their own interests ahead of those of the women they are seeking. By finding a unicorn, a couple may disrupt the stability of their own relationship in addition to harming the unicorn’s well-being. The quest for a unicorn raises a warning about encouraging people to “follow their bliss” because of the possibility of producing collateral damage to the parties involved. In some instances, refraining from undertaking a heroic quest may be the better option. PubDate: Thu, 02 Jul 2020 07:00:35 PDT
Authors:Michael Condren Abstract: This study investigates the role of values in the actions of social heroes, which previous research has suggested may play a role in motivating principled challenges to authority. Kelman and Hamilton’s (1989) orientation to authority framework was used to identify when value-oriented challenges to authority – suggestive of later social heroism – first emerged in their lives, and the values associated with those behaviors. Analyses of archival interviews with 15 leaders of a social activist group found that all participants acted on a value orientation to authority, and they considered these actions to be important experiences in their development as social heroes. The values most associated with these actions were self-direction, universalism, power and achievement. Four participants made value-oriented challenges to authority in childhood; 14 by late adolescence; and all by young adulthood. The early emergence of this behavior suggests that a value orientation to authority is a core element of their identity, and value-oriented challenges to authority were critical experiences in their developmental trajectories as social heroes. PubDate: Wed, 25 Mar 2020 10:50:37 PDT
Authors:Elaine L. Kinsella et al. Abstract: Recent research has revealed that having a personal hero can offer psychological resources to adults, particularly during challenging times. Yet we know little about the role that heroes play in the lives of adolescents – a period of human development when challenges are plentiful, and adolescents are increasingly open to the influence of others outside the family unit. In the present study, adolescent perspectives were sought on types and characteristics of heroes, and the psychological and social functions provided by heroes for young people. Four focus groups were conducted with adolescents (N = 22) aged 15 to 17 years at two urban, co-educational public secondary (high) schools in Ireland. Four themes of hero functions were identified: 1) Heroes uplift others (inspire, offer hope, remind about the good in the world) but they can also disappoint; 2) Heroes model good (or moral) behaviour but they can also model bad behaviour; 3) Heroes protect others and help others to cope (provide emotional and social support, boost self-efficacy, provide social control) but young people may over-rely on their heroes on occasion; 4) Heroes provide an important role in support of identity exploration and formation – often representing the ‘ideal self’ but at times may offer an unrealistic standard of comparison. These findings provide a nuanced view of the role of heroes in the lives of adolescents, and a novel perspective of both the positive and negative consequences of having heroes during adolescence. PubDate: Thu, 27 Feb 2020 07:25:46 PST
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