Misappropriation of Heroism

The misappropriation of heroism is an acknowledgment that the label “hero” can be misused or misapplied and that negative consequences can occur as a result. The label of hero may be misused when responsibility is placed unreasonably onto the hero when, in reality, collective and shared responsibility is required. The misappropriation of heroes can occur when heroes are labeled but not provided with adequate support and assistance to perform their ‘heroic’ duties, and as a result they may suffer greatly. In contrast, the reappropriation of the hero label involves an attempt toward responsible use of the label where individuals are celebrated for their efforts, supported during and/or after their heroic actions, allowed to struggle, fail or feel vulnerable, and where heroism is considered a state of interdependence between hero and the wider group.