Showing posts with label Penn State University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penn State University. Show all posts

Saturday, February 11, 2012

As Simple as Hero or Villain: The Clarity of the Penn State Child Rape Case


Outrage, self-interest, and fear are primal human motivations but it is when we are presented with the moments that make us afraid, or are easy to ignore, make us furious, or might go against our own immediate interest that we decide where we will throw in our lots, and what label we will be given. These moments are usually fleeting, and challenge our most primal motivations. They are the moments we regret if we choose inaction, the moments we wear most proudly when we act. On rare occasion, the choice can be so important to another person and one’s self, it leaves no ambiguity; it is the choice to be a villain or a hero.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Do You Want a Real Super Hero?

In the HBO Film Superheroes, it is easy to laugh at the silly costumes and almost childlike idealism. I think all of these people have a sincere belief, that they want to help. We find repulsive the people who knew about the Penn State rapes deplorable, and at the same time ridicule those who have made it their personal dream to act in moments like that.

Given the horrors of inaction at Penn State and the Catholic Church, don't we want people in our neighborhoods who will act, even if they are in funny suits?
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