TV Shows Need To Stop Promoting The Idea That Heroes Don't Kill
Start writing a post
Entertainment

TV Shows Need To Stop Promoting The Idea That Heroes Don't Kill

The truth of the matter is that sometimes heroes do kill, sometimes they have too.

277
TV Shows Need To Stop Promoting The Idea That Heroes Don't Kill
YouTube.com

I've been watching several different shows lately, such as "Arrow", "Once Upon A Time", and "Teen Wolf".

I love "Teen Wolf". Stiles is my absolute favorite character, and him with Lydia... the BEST! I also love "Once Upon A Time". They've done some great stuff with their characters. I just wrote an article about "Arrow", but the first three seasons of that show were golden.

When watching these three shows in particular, I've come across several messages. But one common message that these shows touch on is that if you are a hero, you don't kill people. That killing someone means you are a monster.

As the daughter of a Police Officer/Airman/Sailor, I strongly disagree with this message.

Just to be clear, these shows are not talking specifically about murder. It is my understanding, or at least how the message portrays it, that these shows are talking about killing in general, self-defense/defense of others is included.

Personally, I think they misunderstand the definition of a hero. A hero is "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities."

A hero is not "a person who refrains from killing at all costs because to kill would make them just as bad as the person they killed."

In Stiles' case, it was self-defense. There is nothing wrong with that. Yes, he has to deal with the fact that he killed someone, but his actions weren't wrong and he shouldn't have been made to feel like he was anything less than he was because of his actions.

In Emma's case, when she killed Cruella, it was defense of another. It was her understanding that Cruella intended to harm/kill Henry, thus, when Cruella pointed the gun at Henry, she took her out. Emma didn't know that Cruella couldn't kill anyone, thus there was nothing wrong with her actions.

The fear that killing someone would turn her heart dark, making her a monster, was ridiculous to say the least.

"Once Upon A Time" and "Teen Wolf" are clearer cases because the trouble came to them. Oliver's case, on the other hand, takes a little more discussion, so bear with me.

Oliver is a vigilante. He uses unorthodox methods to take the bad guys down and fight crime in Star City. Often, I think of Oliver's case being like that of a soldier, not completely similar, but close enough regarding the important details.

He kills people. However, he doesn't murder people. He has a mission, he gives the bad guy a chance, the bad guy typically tries to kill him and then he ends up killing them.

So, even though he purposely puts himself in dangerous situations that may require him to kill, he is still defending himself. His intention isn't necessarily to kill them, just stop them.

The fact that he has killed people doesn't change the fact that he is a hero, albeit a fictional hero. The same is true for Stiles and Emma.

When soldiers go to war, they kill people. That is what happens in war, people kill and people die.

In general, soldiers are considered heroes. They sacrifice so much, put their lives on the line, and carry the burden of taking another's life all for the sake of their country and their families' freedom.

When the message that you can't be a hero if you kill is pushed through media such as TV shows, I feel like we are dishonoring those soldiers who are heroes.

But not only are we dishonoring them, we are also lying about what a hero is and creating a false image.

The truth of the matter is that sometimes heroes do kill, sometimes they have too. Just because they've taken that course of action and prevented the "bad guys" from harming more innocents does not mean that they are the same as the bad guys.

Telling people that "if you're a hero then you can't kill" is a load of malarkey that does more harm than good.

Personally, I am grateful to every hero who has had to make the sacrifice of killing in order to protect, whether that be Law Enforcement, Soldiers, or the everyday person who found themselves in a bad situation. My prayers are with you for the burdens you carry.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42291
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26552
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951684
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

138285
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments