The Meaning of the Hero 'type' in the Social Imagination...

 

According to Max Weber, social scientists should use concepts called ideal-types, a sort of measuring stick that captures the most rational and most essential components of any social thing. Ideal-types are never found in their pure form in real life. But they serve us in real life. How? Because, they often appear in the form of ‘hero’ in the extreme or even in the every day. This person is the overcomer, the rescuer, the hope giver, and or the one who rises above given circumstances as an demonstration for all to rise above.

Interestingly, ideal-types also allow for the use of verstehen, or the interpretive understanding of the subjective motivations’ individuals attach to their actions. In his essay, “Basic Sociological Terms,” Weber uses verstehen (that which drives the individual) to understand different types of social action. Certainly, money drives people, the lure of success, wealth and or prosperity. But that is not the true underlying drive. Which we will reveal a bit later.

Reflecting again on Max Weber, we are directed to consider what people accept as legitimate rules; not just any but rules for all to use having minimal coercion without the constant use or threat of force.  That is only possible if there is meaning for all in the use of the rules. But in saying that, we realize that due to the fallen ‘entropic’ condition of this world, equality set in rules can be neglected or corrupted. 

Why is equality so difficult to achieve. Max Weber like many other sociologists observed that among individuals in any defined or undefined group there exists those that take charge and those that follow because of the meaning they get from embracing those roles. The meaning spoke of is learned in a place over time through interaction among individuals in that place. But meaning is not to be learned in the way that reading or writing or math is. 

Meaning is learned differently because its connected to place on a deep and personal level for the one as part of a group in a place as well as for the group in that same place.

Weber, ideal-types rose out of that kind of place. The ideal was derived three forms of domination. The first type is charismatic domination, or power based on the exceptional qualities of an individual, such as his or her heroism or sanctity. The second type of legitimate domination is traditional domination, or power that is justified by a belief in long-standing customs in a place that work positively for the group in that place. 

Most areas of modern social life exhibit the third form of domination which is called rational because it has been made a ‘legal’ domination, or authority based on rules. Now, rational as in legal domination is based on the perceived legality or acceptability of rules and laws that outline appropriate courses of action. To put it simply, it is when we follow rules because we believe in the supposed fairness and fair execution thereof, regardless of who is giving us the order.

That sounds like only those who have position and power to make rules get to dominate or call the shots. But that is not true. Social reality is a give and take reality, an agreement reality. Domination or dominating individuals are empowered by those who subordinate to them and it is a choice. Weber observed people freely choosing and those choices were based on the meaning they held to the individual in the group, including themselves as a member and the group itself. 

You see, both kinds of social dynamics have meaning for the individual and group in which they belong. Remember, these social dynamics are learned because they are essential. They have meaning ‘sustenance’ that is abstract or even irrational to some outside of the group but to those within the social dynamics are simply ‘at work’, ‘rationally’ doing what they do and must do. 

Where does this leave us in context of the 'Hero' in the Social Imagination? Well, its interesting how that entity works in the social dynamics wherein subordination and domination are at work overcoming that which drives us the most.

The hero is the overcomer, the one who rises above and this is not because the hero is determined to be a hero. In fact, the greater hero is not known unto him/herself as a hero nor to others until they are in the act of being one. 

 

Today's hero is an exhibitionist, he/she is the one who seeks to survive a process as a learning experience. In this sense, the survivor hero is simply the one who makes it through. There is no greater or just cause. 

 

Today's hero is the 'lone' survivor as if no one else ever struggles or suffers and this is usually seen in a person who survives a bully encounter, an illness or accident or some malady. Not that the heroes of old didn't struggle with overcoming this world as it is... they did; but, they did it not only for themselves but for others.

 

The noble hero of old had a special calling, a just cause that was to save all of humanity. He/she was called out as someone greater than he/she is to do something greater than he/she is. What is interesting but rather sad is that today's hero is not the noble hero of old... the one with a just cause. Whereas, today's hero is selfish seeking praise, accolades and entitlement.

 

The hero of old had meaning for everyone. The real hero is the one who makes it through not only for him/herself but for everyone.