My Heroes And Their Shared Traits, Part II

The angry letters have not poured in, so the series continues.

Shared Trait #2: My heroes don't seek to become heroes.

Notice I say "seek", not "want". By which I mean being a hero isn't their driving motivation for doing what they do. Those who try to be heroes are overly concerned with trifling details like never offending anyone (which is impossible, just so you'll know) and making sure what they present to the public is shiny and perfect.

The problem with this obsessive appearance management is that no one is really like that. No one is perfect, or even in that neighborhood. By instead allowing their weaknesses and insufficiencies to be on full display, I can better relate to my heroes and relish in their successes all the more. I'd rather watch a man who I know has struggled finally succeed than watch a man apparently breeze into success. That just irritates me.

The real danger lies in placing a perceived audience's wants and desires above your own convictions. In making the masses the main concern, the focus is on the ideal, most sellable product, not the authentic product. Being authentic isn't everything, but it's better than the alternative. Through seeking not recognition, but fulfillment your own burning desire (And I do believe you need a burning desire for something for it to be truly successful... More about that later), the product is a better representation of its producer. While it may not be as popular, it will certainly be better.

This post feels scattered. However, it's what's pulsing through my brain at the moment, so it's what you're getting. If you need any clarification, leave me a comment or a Tweet or something.

Look forward to the next edition!

Three Random Thoughts:
1. I have a new experiment I would love to have you participate in. Choose Your Own Blogventure is an interactive fiction I'll write based on the audience's voting! Check it out!
2. I'm trying to fit in all sorts of shenanigans before I head back to Texas. Friends coming over Monday and Tuesday, then... What do you call it? Oh yeah, packing.
3. Football season is back. I realize several members of my audience could care less, and I'll refrain from posting about it unless I get a serious itch about it, but I thought you should know I'm going to be excited.