Show me a hero and i will write a tragedy

Show me a hero and i will write a tragedy

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Show Me a Hero and I’ll Write You a Tragedy

Jun 22, 2015

In 1945, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in Notebook E, “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.” As with any quote plucked from its place in literature, Fitzgerald’s words are up for interpretation by the reader. Though if you ask, many readers will tell you that Fitzgerald meant that in order to be a hero, there has to have first been a tragedy or that behind the grandeur of every hero is a tragic backstory, a struggle to the top, if you will. I think this quote points out that along with heroism comes sacrifice and the balance between the two is one to be carefully considered.

While Fitzgerald had his own motives for writing this statement, his words resonate with me in reference to our modern use of the word “hero.” I think that the idea of balance should be considered when we talk about heroism today too, but in a different sense. Whether it’s the military, the police, or celebrities, we need to find a balance in our use of the word hero, because it’s distorting our perception of these public figures.

In a 2014 article for Salon, “You don’t protect my freedom: Our childish insistence on calling soldiers heroes deadens real democracy,”David Masciotra said it best,
“The rhetorical sloppiness and intellectual shallowness of affixing such a reverent label to everyone in the military or law enforcement betrays a frightening cultural streak of nationalism, chauvinism, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism, but it also makes honest and serious conversations necessary for the maintenance and enhancement of a fragile democracy nearly impossible.”

When we begin to view entire groups of people as heroes, they suddenly become more than people. Yes, their job description or life situation may require them to be courageous and honorable, but they also become untouchable. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that these people cannot be put on a pedestal because they are just that, people, and they often make just as many mistakes as your average joe. When we use the label hero, we become more likely to ignore sexual assault in the military, race conflicts in law enforcement, and arrests and other scandals involving celebrities, to name a few examples. To use Fitzgerald’s words, these are tragedies, and when we call those committing them heroes, it becomes more and more difficult for us to recognize them as such.

So what’s the solution? Stop saying the word hero altogether? Remove the bumper stickers or signs that represent entire groups of people in the light of a hero? Maybe. Maybe we just need more open conversation without the fear of being seen as un-American or unsupportive. I don’t know the solution, but I do know that I’m taking my part in the discussion by writing this article, and I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Repeat this to yourself to start boosting your sex life: I am strong, I am capable, I am desirable.

Here are 11 ways your negative body image has found its way to the bedroom.

1. You're only having sex with the lights off

This may not seem like a big deal, but if you're hiding in the dark, it's time to turn on the lights – maybe start with a candle or one lamp in the corner. Before you know it, you'll be rolling in the sheets mid-day.

See Also "It's Time To OWN Your Shit And Get Down And Dirty With The Lights On"

2. You can't get out of your head

And, if you can't get out of your head, you won't be able to feel the pleasure and reach your O.

3. There is unintended tension in the room

I don't mean the hot and bothered kind of tension. It's not your fault that you are struggling with your self-image, but it's time to get help and learn how to accept your beautiful self the way you are.

4. You limit new sex positions

You freak out when your partner requests a new position because you don't want them seeing your body in that way or you don't want to experience how your body feels in that position. Unfortunately, I hear this all the time, but it's OK to allow yourself to find your naughty side and have fun. You are more than your body and your partner is ready to try new experiences with you.

5. You're distracted and lose interest quickly

Your head is not in the game.

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Ever had sex with your shirt, pants, bra, socks, or anything still on? Unless you're having a quickie in the bathroom, take it off!

7. You're not fully enjoying the moment

You are not having sex solely for someone else. Intimacy is for you, too, and you're allowed to feel pleasure and enjoy the moment – you deserve it.

9. You're not engaged and responding to your partner

Communication, listening, and responding is a huge part of sexual behaviors. Yet, if your brain can't focus on the erotic passion, you won't be able to effectively respond and feel the rhythm.

10. You don't feel sexy and don't want to have sex

When you're not feeling sexy, you lose your sex drive. It's normal to have some days where you're feeling seductive and ready to jump on your partner and other days where you just want to snuggle, but if these days are solely dependent on your self-image, there may be more to the story.

11. You only have sex under the covers

It gets real hot real quick.

If you are struggling with your body image, reach out to a therapist today.

1. "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." - Ella Fitzgerald

You are where you are for a reason. As long as you have love and inspiration for what you are doing, you will succeed.

2. "It's never too late to be what you might have been." - George Elliot

So many people think they are too old to go back to school, change their career, or start up a new hobby. This is never true! It's never too late to change your life around for the better.

3. "Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your limited imagination." - Mae Jemison

The sky is the limit!

4. "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

A chain of change can all start with a kind act done by you.

5. "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow." - Helen Keller

Focus on the good things in life and you won't get caught in the ever-present negativity.

6. "Happiness is not by chance, but by choice." - Jim Rohn

It's true that you make your own happiness.

7. "Spread love everywhere you go." - Mother Teresa

Make it your goal to bring love, smiles, and positivity to everyone you come into contact with.

8. "A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they recover when they fall." - Serena Williams

The quicker you bounce back when you fall down, the better. You become stronger when you get up after taking a fall.

9. "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world."      - Robin Williams

Everything you say, think, or do can impact those around you.

10. "If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more." - Oprah Winfrey

Each one of us are blessed with so much. As long as you are alive and breathing, you have something to be grateful for.

11. "You are enough just as you are." - Meghan Markle

You never need to change to be "better" for someone else. If you change, do it for yourself.

What does Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy mean?

This sentence is more general. Fitzgerald is saying that heroism requires tragedy, that for someone to become a hero they must do so in the midst of, after, before or around a tragedy.

Who said Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy?

Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “Show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy.”

Where is the quote Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy from?

Show Me a Hero and I'll Write You a Tragedy: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.