Sage Stossel writes against defining the word “hero” down to include people like cops, teachers, etc.
I think this is an important point that needs to be amplified:
But within the framework of our good manners, we carve out a well-defined space for heroes to break the rules. And we get a vicarious thrill from the latitude they enjoy.
Indeed. If Michael Jordan takes an extra step on his way to the basket, or pushes away a defender before hitting the winning shot, people might grumble a bit, but it’s worth it to enjoy his exploits.
But when we start calling “the cop in the patrol car” a “hero,” we’re crusing for a bruising. Because implicit in the title of hero is the notion that the rules don’t apply to you, at least not in the same way that they apply to everyone else. And that nobody, not even the president, can hold you accountable.
That’s a gross generalization of several dozen e-mails, but I think it reflects how conservatives, like Americans generally, are of two views when it comes to cops. One side is inclined to distrust them, see them as potential abusers of authority — mere men with badges and guns. Another side is deferential to police. That is not to say they condone abuse or sanction cops being above the law. But they give cops the benefit of the doubt for a host of reasons.
I’m more in the latter camp.
I’m inclined to think the former camp is a healthier place to be.
To be sure, if it’s the word of a criminal suspect against the word of a police officer, I’m inclined to go with the word of a police officer.
But there’s nothing about a police badge that takes away the influence of Original Sin. If we start deferring to police officers, and police officers come to expect that they are entitled to be treated deferentially, we get things like a Harvard professor being arrested for acting like an ass in his own house.
The same is true for soldiers, teachers, parents, etc. All are valuable work that should be recognized. None completely morally sanctify the person doing it, prevent them from abusing their authority, or make them immune from criticism. People are people. Heroes are myths.
