Prado, Jhun Abel G.

2InformationTechnology-C

Theology 4

Should we consider the model’s action ‘heroic’, as she ‘sacrificed’ herself (her image) for a larger
cause?

Before giving an answer on whether the model’s action was heroic or not, let’s first define the
very meaning of the word ‘heroic’. In a cultural sense, heroism involves prosocial, and altruistic actions
that entails an element of sacrifice. For instance, one-time acts of bravery, such as rescuing someone
from a burning building; as well as, lifelong heroism, such as professional nurses who offer their time
to care for the sick and dying.

The bush fires that struck Australia blanketed the region with thick plumes of smoke, destroyed
thousands of households, and obliterated wildlife habitats, along its blazing rage. Australia right now
needs healing, and any amount of help or support can greatly impact the speed of their recuperation.

World-wide, within their own small ways, thousands of people managed to provide support for
the calamity. A model even offered her body to the public in exchange for a greater cause. However,
can we classify such act as heroic? Although offering your body to the public might be seen as immoral
and irrational, in spite of the fact that you voluntarily sacrificed something in exchange for the greater
cause. I wouldn’t think twice as to whether to classify the act as heroic or not, because a deed done in
service of others, and without any expectation of any forms of external gain, for me, is truly heroic and
self-giving.

How does the contemporary world view truth?

The advent of social media and smartphones allowed information to be at everyone’s finger tips.
In just one click, we can already find an instant answer to our questions. However, many of us rely the
foundations of our truth to this social entities — that we forget to search for the truths of our own.
Social conditioning confined us to the idea that we only have limited choices to choose from; a
choice between true or false, a choice between A,B,C, or D, am I ugly or not, will I fail or will I succeed,
and the likes. We often box ourselves within the choices that society gives us, when in fact there are a
lot of better options to choose in between. However, why would we try to fit in the status quo, if we can
be truly authentic, find an answer that will truly benefit us, and have the opportunity to think for
ourselves? Isn’t that more fulfilling, than just settling with the choices handed to us by society?

In a contemporary world that is dominated by opinions and false claims, it’s easier to side with
the truth accepted by many just to avoid judgement from others. However, the best answer isn’t always
in the scantron sheet of society, the best answer is the one formulated by our own intellect and reason
— a choice that was made from within.

How do they affect spirituality?

We are the authors of our own personal legend — a master of our own fate. When we search
for our own truths, we allow ourselves to be fully authentic with our desires and ambitions. Our soul
touches our humanity, and vice versa. And through this we are fulfilling the mystery of God’s greatest
gift to us — life.