A common definition of a hero is someone who represents a culture or community in some way. However, the most popular heroes usually have one thing in common – they are able to find success on their journey, which leads many observers to overlook pertinent flaws in a hero’s character. Odysseus is able to get away with several dangerous and senseless actions that jeopardized himself and his crew members; one example of this occurs when Odysseus taunts Polyphemus upon his departure from the island. If Odysseus was unsuccessful on his return to Ithaca, then perhaps Homer may have further highlighted Odysseus’ high regard for himself as a tragic flaw that got in the way of his ultimate goal. Nonetheless, the final product that Odysseus puts forth outweighs the convoluted path he took to get home.
Even today, similar situations exist with modern icons, especially given the volatile nature of the mass media. One example I think of occurred during the NFL season two seasons ago. Cam Newton had a breakout year, one that none of the major football writers or analysts could have predicted. Along the way, he made it a habit to give out footballs to young children wearing Panthers gear whenever his team scored. He came to represent an entire city and fan base that bought into him as a leader and a hero. Newton made it to his biggest stage yet, the Super Bowl, and ended up struggling to compete with one of the league’s best defenses. His meteoric rise was then swiftly followed by one of the roughest spans of his career. People began to question his character, and wondered whether his personality ultimately got in the way of his success.
Thus, many of the basic principles that define a hero have remained the same throughout centuries, but today, the influence of mass media places much more scrutiny on a character if he/she begins to falter and encounters failure.