Will there be fewer heroes in the world because of social media? I wonder. Lionel Messi is a futbol hero — in Argentina and to futbolers around the world. Back in the day (before YouTube and social) Messi would have been known to the world via a few video clips seen on TV, a couple of really positive well-told stories in Sports Illustrated, some bedroom posters and live game broadcasts and interviews. Heroes were made and packaged more easily then.
But today, no one of note makes it under the radar. One bad decision at a nightclub, one oafish treatment of a fan, an out of context insensitive remark and the luster is off. It is human nature to have heroes — be they in sports, politics, music or religion. We need heroes. They give us hope and aspiration. But jealousy and officiousness are also human behaviors and social media is filled with people so inclined. Besmirchers. And all it takes is a few besmirchers to start a hero’s downfall.
The good news is we are open to more global heroes than ever before because of the Web (I can’t wait to watch Messi play) and that’s good. The web needs to be a bit kinder and gentler, though, when it comes to comments and posts. The mission of the Web is to disseminate the truth, but for the good of the planet. Let’s dis the negative petty stuff. We need an emoticon to protest the negative stuff. Somehow 🙁 doesn’t quite make it. Peace!
