It’s May 4th and if you didn’t know, it’s the unofficial Star Wars holiday. Obviously, May the Fourth be with you is an interpretation of the Jedi slogan, May the Force be with You. But during this pandemic it has more meaning than ever.
Star Wars may be escape fiction / movies, but that doesn’t negate the meanings within the story. Finding a purpose, friendship, banding together to overcome an adversary are themes in the Star Wars movies. The journey young Skywalker takes is about learning to be a hero. If you look, that’s what you see happening during this pandemic.
What Is a Hero
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary
a hero is:
a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities
a person who is greatly admired
the chief male character in a story, play, movie, etc.
So a hero is someone you admire. You get to choose your heroes and heroines.
Who Are the Heroes?
First responders and healthcare workers (more than just doctors and nurses but aides and secretaries and housekeeping and food services for just a few) have had their day jobs transform into a mighty and heroic battle against a common enemy.
Every day folk (grocery store employees, delivery folk, folks in the food industry, and so many more) have also become heroes. But so have the thousands who have stayed home to help flatten the curve. Even if staying home wasn’t your choice, you did it. Thank you.
Don’t Call Me Hero
I know there are many who object to being called a hero. They seem to think the word loses its meaning by being tossed around a lot these days. They feel that too many people say the words and think that’s enough. I understand, they lack proper equipment and are “just doing their job.” But they remain heroes because they do their job or choose to stay home regardless of their fear. And the choice to call someone a hero is made by the person who does the admiring. So get comfortable with the word. You are admired. You are a hero.
May the Force Be With You
No matter what you are doing, or not doing, may the fourth be with you. May you band together in deeper friendships with all people, find a purpose, and find the courage to do what is right. And enjoy the reruns of any and all Star Wars entertainment. May the Fourth Be With You. And May the Force Be with You always.