Real heroes are not front-pagers, while visibility does not mean integrity.
True leaders are made in crises, but mind you, fake leaders exploit predicaments also. The recent calamities showed bogus ones—leaders who are only good on posing for pictures and media hypes. They are not actually helpers but hustlers in profiting out of the situation. Reports of show-offs, insincere and shams are now in the free internet. In fact, big-time players are now beginning to show their true colors.
Relief operations can be a vast conspiracy of kindness. Reports of cash aids diverted and undelivered donations are no longer rumors. It seems that cameras are for cash; sometimes, even missionaries and coordinators used the same. For people to buy the news and appeal, sensationalizing is logical—but not necessarily right.
That is why handling critical events and information requires integrity. The plumb-line between right motive and vested interest is slim. Only the fruit will tell if the act is genuine. So news (including pictures) must be delivered in truth, not for profit—and documentations for accountability.
My kind of heroes, though, is not image-conscious. They respond in times of trouble. Their presence is not driven by misguided politics, mere curiosity or hypocrisy. Some were under order by authorities, but many are compelled to help. Some gave meals, reliefs, goods, cash, and the like; they simply acted without string attached.
A leader who only cares for position (or promotions!) rather than function is no leader at all. We must applaud our ordinary heroes. They promote a culture of compassion, courage, and character. They gave resources and empower people. Theirs was not only rescues but redemption.
Real heroes inspire transformation. They are the people you knew who were there in times of need. They are life-giving to others.
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