Modern-Day Heroes

By Joanna Setow

November 12, 2019

Since the beginning of time, humans have been innately obsessed with stories of heroic antics. From tales of Odysseus's journey home to Batman stopping crime, swashbuckling heroes, who swoop in to save the day remain a cultural cornerstone. I grew up seeing these stories of good versus evil play out on movie screens and in books. However, in real life, things are not nearly as black and white. People's motivations become muddled and it’s hard to see who has the best of intentions. Despite this, the actions of Ronan Farrow, Christine Blasey Ford, and Greta Thunberg remain purely heroic.

Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Ronan Farrow is a hero because of his persistence to publish his exposé about the powerful men in Hollywood taking advantage of women. In 2018, one of the largest movements undoubtedly was the #MeToo movement. One after another, women came forward to reveal their shocking stories of sexual assault at the hands of ruthless men. Farrow was the first to expose sexual assault allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein. Although it was long rumored throughout Hollywood that Weinstein acted inappropriately surrounding his female employees, no one dared to investigate him due to his elite status. Taking on Weinstein would result in a loss of connections, loss of prestige, and immediate scrutiny. However, Farrow remained determined to bring a voice to the voiceless; he was going to publish his story. After a year of compiling accounts from multiple women and a denial of publication by NBC, Farrow published his story on October 10, 2017, in the New Yorker, sparking a nationwide conversation about sexual abuse in the workplace. Farrow’s work gave legitimacy to prior accounts of sexual assault in Hollywood, leading to the arrest of Weinstein and several others. States began implementing laws to ban non-disclosure agreements from covering up sexual harassment. It’s clear that because of Farrow’s writing, American workplaces and the dialogue about sexual assault will never be the same. Farrow is an example of a hero in today’s society.

Survivors of sexual assault that choose to share their stories, such as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, are heroes as well. On September 27, 2018, Ford testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her 36 years earlier. In the days leading up to her testimony, Ford became the target of a smear campaign and the nationwide center of criticism. She received hundreds of death threats, forcing her and her family to move out of their home. Nevertheless, in her testimony, she stood firmly against the Senate and answered every question. While Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme Court, Ford remains a symbol of courage in the face of scrutiny and has empowered sexual assault survivors to share their stories. Similar to the brave women before her, Ford will remain cemented in history as a heroic figure.

As the climate crisis becomes an increasingly prominent issue, teenage activists, such as Greta Thunberg, continue to call for action from elected officials. Thunberg, a 16-year-old from Sweden, has emerged as the voice of an entire generation. She regularly organizes marches, strikes, and speaks to world leaders about implementing climate-friendly legislation, such as the Green New Deal. Her most notable speech occurred at the 2019 United Nations’ Climate Action Summit. Thunberg also models how to live a more climate-conscious life. When she traveled to New York to film an interview on The Daily Show, rather than taking a flight from Sweden, she rode a boat. Furthermore, as organizations, such as the Sunrise Movement, gain more attention and expand in membership, Thunberg’s unwavering fearlessness has inspired more teenagers to become advocates for climate justice. However, not everyone appreciates Thunberg’s activism; she has been mocked and had her mental stability questioned. Nonetheless, Thunberg’s message remains just as strong and outspoken, motivating others to raise their concerns about the environment. Thunberg's actions earn her the title of a hero.

Being called a hero is certainly high regard, but every day I pass by heroes. Although the heroism of Farrow, Ford, and Thunberg are remarkable, it is important to recognize the heroes in our everyday lives. Because of my parents, teachers, and coaches, I dare to remain true to myself and stand up for what I believe in despite the criticism.