*This entry is strictly MY opinion. I understand that some of you may not agree and that’s okay. That’s the beauty of each and every one of us being able to voice our opinion. But with that said, I am sorry if I do offend some of you, again, this is just my opinion*
I’m sure by now you have all heard the news about Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner. She made the brave and courageous decision to accept the soul of the woman she was born with even though she was born with a male body. Now, before I get any further, I am so beyond happy for her and anyone that is able to finally live the life they were meant to live, whether it be straight, gay, bi, transsexual, transgender, whatever the case may be. I think it was very admirable of her and I applaud her and anyone who has the courage to “come out” and be free to live the life of happiness that they deserve.
Do I think she should be named a hero? No. Do I think she should be getting an award for courage? No. Do I think it’s fair that because of her celebrity platform she is getting special recognition for something that millions of people do every day? No.
When I hear the word “hero”, I do not think of Caitlyn Jenner. Call it cliché, but I think of the millions of the past, present, and future soldiers that are fighting for us, fighting for people like Caitlyn Jenner to be able to do what she does. They don’t ask for anything. They don’t even know our names and yet they have, they are, and they will, give their life defending our freedom. When I hear the word “hero”, I think of the millions of single parents, or just parents in general these days, struggling to make ends meet. Maybe working multiple jobs while going to school full time just to be able to provide for their children and give them the life they always dreamed for their kids. They go above and beyond, sometimes putting their dreams on hold to make sure their children are taken care of, even if it takes a while. They work their ass off and get it done. When I hear the word “hero”, I think of my father who fought for his life for almost 15 years, overcoming sicknesses time and time again. He would work every day and make sure his family was taken care of and he struggled ever single damn day but he rarely let it show and he fought and was brave until his last breath. That is a hero to me.
I also heard a lot of discussion about Caitlyn Jenner being awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2015 ESPYs. Yes, Caitlyn, FKA Bruce Jenner is an Olympian Gold Medal Winner. Caitlyn, however, is not. Yes, I already stated I think it took major courage for her to come out to the world as the female she is. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how she felt knowing what kind of comments and bullies she knew she was going to encounter and yet she did it anyway, major kudos. But being a celebrity in today’s society that kind of backlash or even praise comes with the territory. Why wasn’t basketball star Lauren Hill even considered for this award? Lauren was just 19 when she lost her life to brain cancer. But despite that, she spent her last few months helping to raise money for cancer research and actually raised over $1.5million. She was 19. She fought every day to help raise awareness so that those after her could have better care and treatment. Isn’t that courage?
I understand that because Bruce was a celebrity, that is why his transitioning into Caitlyn was headline news. It’s a good platform to give hope and courage to others that are like her. I have even seen 4 year olds on the news that are transgender. I’m all about supporting your children, but at 4, how do you even know what that means? I don’t remember what I wore yesterday let alone how I felt when I was 4. I personally know people that are gay, bi, and transsexual. There are millions of people coming into their own and finding their way in life on a daily basis. That’s life. Why are we praising someone for doing something that people do every single day?
Maybe we should be focused on more important issues instead of Caitlyn. Maybe we should be more focused on treating everyone with respect and kindness and then media wouldn’t feel the need to plaster these celebrities all over the news for their courageous acts...acts that we normal “heroes” do every day.
