Do We Really Need More Heroes Like John Wayne?
What makes someone a hero?
For as long as I remember, when someone says John Wayne is a hero, my reaction is always conflicted.
Earlier this year, I began to see articles about how we need more heroes like John Wayne. For some reason, this irked me. Days would go by, and I would still be irked with these articles.
Finally, I decided to sit down and write about it; to discover what was bothering me.
I like western movies and have seen many of Wayne’s films, including both versions of True Grit.
In 1968 Charles Portis published a novel, True Grit, about a young girl named Mattie Ross, who hires U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn to help her avenge her father’s death.
I prefer the version in which Jeff Bridges portrays Marshall Rooster Cogburn. In this version, the character of Mattie Ross doesn’t take a back seat in the story. For me, the ending in this version feels more faithful to the novel.
However, in the version in which Wayne plays Rooster Cogburn, the character of Mattie Ross is overshadowed by Wayne’s larger-than-life presence.
But…
This post is not about bashing John Wayne the man, nor his acting ability.
I want to know why my reaction is conflicted every time I hear someone praising John Wayne. Or hear someone repeating the Elizabeth Taylor quote:
“He epitomized what every American wanted to be.”
You see…I grew up in a rural farming community in the evangelical South, where patriarchy ruled. Conformity was vital, and considering someone’s feelings did not matter.
This was when women voted according to who their husbands or fathers told them to vote for. Girls could not wear pants to school. Doctors discuss your health with your husband or father first.
And if you tried to act, speak, or do anything outside what was considered the norm, you risked the family/community’s disapproval.
For me, John Wayne personifies this gruff authoritarian attitude. This is my personal baggage and explains part of the reason for my conflicted reaction.
But something else troubles me.
It’s the hero part.
When you research John Wayne, you will discover he filed for a 3A draft deferment.
A person is eligible for a 3A deferment if they are the sole provider for your family. Ironically, my father was drafted into the Vietnam War while being the exclusive provider for his family.
3A deferments are temporary.
But when Wayne became eligible to enlist again, he did not. What he did do was make movies.
Fellow actor, Jimmy Stewart, enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He flew 20 combat missions over Germany as leader of a squadron of B-24s. He received the Distinguished Flying Crosses and Croix de Guerre medals (information from The Jimmy Stewart Museum).
Jimmy Stewart, Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, and many others enlisted and fought with the American Armed Services. They put their lives in danger and their careers on hold.
Finally, I have my answer to what troubles me about needing more heroes like John Wayne.
- I’m tired of the fakeness, glorifying acting but not actively doing that role.
- I’m irked about revering people who put money above anything else.
For me, what makes someone a hero?
People like doctors without borders or the men and women who defend our country. Or those like Betty Ford, who spoke about controversial issues, like her battle with breast cancer and overcoming alcoholism, that were taboo when discussing these things in public.
And all those people who go about their lives trying to improve others’ lives and our society. These are the people who epitomize the values and courageous behavior that make a hero.
Written by Julie Pope. To read more of her writing click here:
