I am not a hero

Seriously. And neither is anyone else.

In light of the disappointing allegations against Neil Gaiman, many of us are forced to reconsider whom we place on a pedestal. It’s a reminder that idolizing mortals more often than not leads to disappointment. Saying, “I aspire to write, draw, sing, or dance as well as Arty McArtster” is an excellent way to learn and grow. However, turning McArtster into an idol and emulating them in all aspects of life is extrapolating who they are from the tiny part you can see. Writers are not their books, and artists are not their art. Even when a creator shares your political views and expresses the ideas you wish to convey, it’s essential to remember that this is just a modicum of who they are.

The danger lies in making heroes out of artists, performers, sports figures, or politicians (for the love of Spock, never politicians), whose public personas often differ from their private selves. Instead, focus on being yourself. Strive to be a better version of yourself every day, drawing inspiration from others while maintaining your individuality.

This perspective is not mine alone. John Scalzi, who some have suggested as a potential Neil Gaiman replacement, recently wrote about the perils of idolizing anyone, including himself. His insights provide a valuable reminder that we should be wary of placing anyone on a pedestal. To read more about Scalzi’s thoughts on this topic, you can find his column at his homepage: Whatever by John Scalzi. https://whatever.scalzi.com