Heroic men during tragic Colorado shooting

**carol** · 07-26-2012, 02:49 PM

In discussing the Colorado shooting, there are many different topics for discussion, but I would like to focus upon one topic, the heroic response of some men during the shooting at the Colorado movie theatre. These men were reportedly "average" men, ( I would say many men would fight to protect their families and loved ones!) and yet they risked their lives for the people they loved. I would like to honor them.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor...the_women.html

"The male instinct to rescue and protect kicked in the way it does in less complicated superhero tales. At least three of the 12 victims of the shooting died because they were physically protecting the women they came to the movie with."

What makes a hero? What causes people to risk their lives for others? Please post current stories of people that you know of who rise to the occasion, go above and beyond the call of duty, or have quietly gone about their lives protecting, providing and caring for those they love, without bragging or calling attention to themselves. Please provide your opinions about what causes heroic behavior-is it instinctive? cultural? Please honor your own heroes here. Thank you.

**Graham** · 07-26-2012, 02:56 PM

Heroes and should be commended to the hilt for their brave actions.

**carol** · 07-26-2012, 04:26 PM

Another hero!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/360496.../#.UBFryY7hDw4

This nanny saved the life of the young boy she cares for, running barefoot through 400 degree fire, to get into his bedroom, and badly burning herself to rescue him.

Very moving video:
http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/36049859

**2DREZQ** · 07-27-2012, 07:21 AM

All true heroism has a few common characteristics;

It involves a large degree of selfless behaviour.

It requires the concious repression of panic and the flight instinct (although it can be argued that protecting ones mate or offspring is an even stronger instinct.)

It involves a large degree of risk of grave injury or death which could be avoided by acting in a different manner.

It is more common than many people assume. We are social creatures and we have a degree of instinct to protect and preserve other members of our "herd".

I remember a few years ago a couple of storied where someone was trapped in a burning vehicle and about to be engulfed. In both stories total strangers risked death and were even injured pulling the victim to safety. In one instance the passenger compartment burst into flames so quickly that the rescuers clothing began to burn as he dragged the other man to safety.

**TheNepenthe** · 07-27-2012, 07:51 AM

At least three of the 12 victims of the shooting died because they were physically protecting the women they came to the movie with

People tend to do stupid things when in love.
But who knows, perhaps they were counting on luck that he the bullet will miss them and in the end, alive and well, they would earn high reputation in the eyes of their females.

**Osprey** · 07-27-2012, 08:15 AM

Its partly stupid, partly heroic.
If their girlfriends forget them after a week and fuck a new man, then i think giving your life is quite a waste.
Otherwise, it was a good thing.

**TheNepenthe** · 07-27-2012, 12:05 PM

Yes, but one cannot know what will she do after. So it's a gamble - and I'd call it stupid because the loss is one's own life for a maybe.

**2DREZQ** · 07-27-2012, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by TheNepenthe

Yes, but one cannot know what will she do after. So it's a gamble - and I'd call it stupid because the loss is one's own life for a maybe.

You've missed the point entirely. You don't risk your life because you might get laid a lot later. You risk your life to protect the woman that you, as a man, are morally responsible for.

I always said any boy who took my daughter out was signing a blank check with his life for her safety; "To get to her, they had better be stepping over your dead body!"

I have no desire to die violently in a public place. That being said, the only way Godzilla himself is going to get to my wife is after I'm out of ammunition, can't hold my tactical Police knife, and am dead. I'd do the same for anyone I considered to be "under my protection".

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but that's the kind of men I grew up around, and the only kind I really respect as men.

**PetiteParisienne** · 07-27-2012, 12:24 PM

I've been very moved by the stories of the men who protected their ladies in that cinema. Chivalry is not dead.

**carol** · 07-27-2012, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by 2DREZQ

All true heroism has a few common characteristics;

It involves a large degree of selfless behaviour.

It requires the concious repression of panic and the flight instinct (although it can be argued that protecting ones mate or offspring is an even stronger instinct.)

It involves a large degree of risk of grave injury or death which could be avoided by acting in a different manner.

It is more common than many people assume. We are social creatures and we have a degree of instinct to protect and preserve other members of our "herd".

I remember a few years ago a couple of storied where someone was trapped in a burning vehicle and about to be engulfed. In both stories total strangers risked death and were even injured pulling the victim to safety. In one instance the passenger compartment burst into flames so quickly that the rescuers clothing began to burn as he dragged the other man to safety.

It was the same for the nanny, who saved the little boy that she felt responsible for. So,it is an act of courage, a moral decision, selflessness, and also a biological instinct to protect? I think you are right, many different parts play into it-biological, ethical, spiritual.

Now a new question for you, can courage be taught/learned or is it something innate? I ask, because I noticed one of the young men had been in the military.