Revolutionary Figures

The interesting thing about revolutionary figures (i've referring specifically to gandhi and che, but I'm sure the rest apply as well) is the way they get hero-ified. It's just human nature. Everyone wants the ultimate; an example of what is worth living for. Yet no man is perfect. Che went on to murder many people, whether for noble purposes or not, he murdered people. He was also much more of a womanizer than The Motorcycle Diaries lead you to believe. Gandhi was guilty of some flip flopping and had some sexual desires he could not control at times. Yet there are two reverred figures, so why can these things be simply looked past? Well, we need someone to look up to. If you tried to motivate a group of Indian nationalists by saying, "Gandhi liberated his countrymen without even lifting a finger to war, but he did have problems with sex." That just wouldn't work. We harp upon the bad. One bad apple could spoil an entire bushel of ripe apples. Therefore our society makes heroes. As it may seem dishonest and idealistic, I have nostalgic connections to it. I dont want to know about Michael Jordan's gambling problems. I want to remember him for all the opportunities he gave me and my dad time to sit down and watch him growing up. I want to remember Jordan for his amazing shots, and inspiring performances. I want to remember Jordan for being the one thing I could rub into my uncle's face (who is a Pistons fan). On a much grander (and more important) scale, Gandhi and Che provided this. They motivated and turned entire countries around, and the fact that I'm talking about them right now, is a testimony of the amazing reach their influence still has today. We all know heroes really aren't heroes, but my hats off to all those heroes out there.