Oakville Reads discussion

“How is the concept of heroism explored throughout the book? What separates heroes from other people? How does an ordinary person become a hero?”

One of the definitions provided by en.oxforddictionaries.com is, "A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities."
Scott does not consider himself courageous or to have any outstanding achievements or noble qualities. On page 99-100, Gus lets Scott know he appreciates what he did to save the boy's life. Scott merely replies, "I...was swimming. He called out. Anybody would have done what I did." He then goes on to say, "So because I was on the high school swim team I'm some kind of hero?" Scott is extremely humble and feels that he was just responding to the circumstances and that fate had already made him an incredible swimmer was just a matter of fact. In our society, it's generally considered that anyone who saves another person's life is considered a hero.
Then as the story continues, it's funny how people can quickly spread their thoughts and opinions via mass media until they consume us like a virus. The story suggests that people would rather have a scapegoat than a hero. Putting someone on a pedestal only means they have further to fall and human nature seems to prefer viewing others from a higher position and looking down.

Crises like that in Manchester unveil many heroes. I just heard about a homeless man who "lived" outside the stadium who rushed towards the blast site as he saw so many young people in trouble. I think (I hope) there are inate heroes in all of us and that we would do what is needed in the moment.

BTW - that homeless man has now been offered a place to live after social media helped find him. He had faded away after doing what needed to be done. Nice when things work out.