Asked this question, Marvel Comics fans might
say bravery. Transforming from an ordinary man, Spider Man does not fear
bad guys, having his sticky web and fast speed to support himself.
Forget about Thor, who is god-like, but we also love Captain America and
other superheroes because of the same reason.
Do a Google search on "what makes a hero" and you will find some valuable comments from www.ask.com.
"A hero can be a person that saves lives and stuff, but a hero
can be anyone that does something they have fear of but are brave enough
to still do something. Examples: Batman, Iron Man and all of them."
Certainly, this must be a fan of Marvel Comics.
Well, another answer highlights the heroic quality in every human
being. "A hero is someone who can be looked up to for their actions.
Bravery is usually the biggest trait of a hero. This person has usually
overcome huge obstacles to survive or to rescue others. Heroes come in
all sizes. Sick children, grown firefighters, doctors, missionaries,
philanthropists are all examples of heroes."
In a world where some people out there are still forced to keep secret
their sexual preferences, they would love this: "I think a hero is
someone who is open about everything, like being openly gay."
Hollywood has been a champion in making heroes. Before 2008, few people
outside the US knew about the life of gay rights activist and
politician Harvey Milk. That changed after the 2008 movie "Milk",
starring Sean Penn, who won an Academy Award for the role.
In "Dolphin Tale" we learnt how kids could become heroes by saving a
dolphin that was a victim in an accident and lost its tail.
"Big Miracle" brought us the true story of a two-week international
effort to save three grey whales stranded under ice near Alaska in 1988.
Now, I wonder if "Thailiwood" will be interested in making a
documentary about the Thai legal team representing the country at the
International Court of Justice last week in the case over the disputed
Preah Vihear Temple.
Thais embrace them as national heroes. When the team members, led by
Virachai Plasai, arrived back in Thailand on Saturday, a huge crowd
greeted them at the airport. Some came with banners saying, "Welcome our
hero, Virachai" and "Alina Miron, you're our hero. We love you".
Admiration for them was all over the social media.
Before officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other
government agencies are saddened by thoughts of public ignorance, Suan
Dusit Poll showed 35.59 per cent of poll respondents were pleased with
their evidence and 22.04 per cent with the help from all parties.
Certainly, that should warm those officials, who had to help unearth and
supply evidence as much as 50 years old.
The admiration for them is undeniably incomparable to that towards the
Thai legal team. The public's admiration is so great that we might need
to feel worried for them. In a world driven by social media forces,
sentiments can spin in a different direction in a matter of hours.
When an article on the legal team's return to Thailand was posted on
Facebook/Nationnews, it drew a valid comment from Greg Reid: "I wonder
what will happen to the legal team when they lose? I'm sure the Thais
will blame these pale-faced lawyers."
He understands well what lies ahead for Thailand concerning the Preah
Vihear case. Indeed, Virachai apparently took a note. He thanked all
Thais for their support. Asked whether Miron, a Romanian, knew of her
popularity here, he simply said, "It has been acknowledged."
Twenty eight per cent of Suan Dusit Poll's respondents are right to
fear that the Preah Vihear case might not go in favour of Thailand.
Worse, they fear it may sour Thailand's relations with Cambodia.
Although pleased with the Thai team's performance last week, King
Prajadhipok's Institute research director Thawilwadee Bureekul also
expressed her concern about this. She said the dispute has sparked
nationalism. Several old photos have been circulated on the social
media, like the one showing Silpa Bhirasri and his students during the
renovation of the ruined temple.
"The thing everyone must understand is that Thailand and Cambodia are
neighbours, and are bound to cooperate in upholding peace in Asean. Both
sides have their own evidence. It's the government's duty to neutralise
conflicts," Thawilwadee said.
It is expected that the ICJ will rule on the case later this year.
Virachai and his team are heroes for now. Along the way, many more
heroes must appear with the courage to neutralise cross-border
conflicts. Local residents along the border - who packed belongings last
week, ready for emergency evacuation in case violence erupted - are
waiting for them.
Yes, a hero can be "someone who you can look up to". And that "someone" can be anyone brave enough.
1 comment:
Message to Thailand:
Really? Cambodia altered the Anex I map? If so, the court could ask for a copy of original map from France as Thailand got it from the first time. France colonized Cambodia and made the map, not did Cambodia. Don't forget France sent the original Anex I map to Thailand and Thailand accepted it and has used it officially at least 50 years before 1962 ICJ rule. If Cambodia could alter the map, I hope Cambodia could have put Bangkok or Trat in the map. In fact, Cambodia did not alter but used the map as the same as the map that France sent to Thailand before ICJ ruled. Therefore, the real illegal country is the country who altered the map in favor of their benefit after the ICJ ruled. According to the international law, Thailand illegally and unilaterally made map for its own benefit, violating United Nations fundamental and ICJ's rule. It've ruined the ASEAN community/unity and stability of southeast Asian region by re-occupying the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple and caused many clashes, stealing many civilians and soldiers' lives. However, please keep in mind (for Thais), this court is about to INTERPRET the ICJ's rule in 1962, not to reconsider the errors made by France and Thai commission. Don't try to use moral vs law. We, Cambodians, know clearly that Thais will use this strategy (act as a innocent). I consider this lawyer as an infamous heroine of defaming of other country tactically and scolding others of its own mistake, using exaggerated moral base vs the reality of the matter; its hope that the ICJ will use the illegal map to alter the ICJ rule in 1962. However, the ICJ's rule in 1962 is final, no matter what. Your acts have just shown how Thai bad action in the community. In Khmer in low context class, it says, "If I cannot get something I want, at least I can put a poop on your butt before you leave." Lolz.
Post a Comment