Is the word "hero" becoming overused?

Question

It seems like all one needs to do nowadays to be called a hero is die some kind of unexpected or premature death...

Answer 1

Hmm go become a hero then

Answer 2

My thoughts exactly.

Answer 3

I have to agree with the abuse of the word Hero... It used to refer to courageous action that was above and beyond the call of duty. Now you can be a hero by getting shot in the head due to incompetence.

You can add "Sport" and "Event" to the list...

Answer 4

I would think so. Someone at work calls me his hero. Even though he hates my guts. Kinda funny.

Answer 5

absolutly. Anyone coming back from Iraq/Afghanisthan is called hero( even if he/ she spent their tour in the kitchen), any firefighter who fights a fire( is he not just doing his job) is hailed from the roof tops;  any policeman who protects the public( again is he not being paid to do this) their name is etched in stone; any overpaid sports star who scores a point is a living legend.....the sad fact being that in todays world we need to invent  our hero's