How we perceive real-life ‘heroes’ is evolving, as highlighted by recent research that emphasizes momentary heroic actions over the idea of being inherently heroic.
How we perceive real-life ‘heroes’ is evolving, as highlighted by recent research that emphasizes momentary heroic actions over the idea of being inherently heroic.
Our society has a fascination with heroes, whether they are historical figures, fictional characters, or everyday individuals. However, despite the popularity of superhero comics and blockbuster movies, our understanding of who qualifies as a hero in real life is shifting.
Research conducted by the University of Birmingham and featured in a special edition of Critical Studies on Security indicates that British culture is transitioning toward what is called ‘situational heroism’. This concept is more inclusive and less exclusive compared to the traditional view of heroism.
Dr. Katharina Karcher, an Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham who led the study, stated: “Some scholars suggest we are living in post-heroic times, indicating that the number of traditional heroes—like heroic warriors or iconic leaders such as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II—is declining. Nowadays, society values heroic actions and situational awareness more highly.”
Situational awareness is crucial in how individuals respond to emergencies and consists of three main parts: awareness of key elements in surroundings, understanding the current situation, and anticipating future developments. The UK’s National Counterterrorism Security Office has initiated campaigns urging the public to ‘stay alert’ and ‘trust their instincts’.
People who possess good situational awareness are often able to take courageous actions quickly in dangerous scenarios. This has been evident during recent terrorist incidents where ordinary citizens have acted decisively and emerged as situational heroes.
A key illustration from the research is the London Bridge terror attack on November 29, 2019. Darryn Frost and Steve Gallant were attendees at an event for the Learning Together Prison programme at Fishmongers Hall when a fellow participant, Usman Khan, began to stab individuals. Frost and Gallant confronted Khan, with Gallant famously using a Narwhal tusk as a weapon, risking their own safety to save others. They were part of a small group recognized with the Queen’s Gallantry Medal in 2023 for their bravery.
Dr. Karcher continued, saying, “Frost and particularly Gallant don’t fit the traditional mold of heroes. One was a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, while the other was just an ordinary employee of the Ministry of Justice. While Frost and Gallant may not embody heroism in the classic sense, their actions, driven by situational awareness, display remarkable courage and moral impact that define heroism in today’s post-heroic culture. This broadens the definition of hero, allowing anyone—from common individuals to convicted criminals—to be considered heroes.”
Dr. Karcher’s research, which included interviews with Frost, shows that this cultural shift towards valuing situational awareness has given rise to a new concept of heroism. Yet, despite this more inclusive understanding, neither Gallant nor Frost identifies themselves as heroes. They describe themselves instead as individuals who took action to assist others based on their circumstances.
In the interview, Darryn Frost said: “Initially, I was uncomfortable with the term hero. I wasn’t seeking that label or wanting it… Sure, we performed some positive acts, but there were many negative repercussions as well.”
Eventually, Frost accepted the hero label to advocate for Gallant’s release. However, it raises significant ethical dilemmas about this new era of heroism, such as what happens if situational heroism becomes seen as an obligation? And should acts of courage by individuals be evaluated separately, disregarding any unheroic behavior from their past?
The situation involving Steve Gallant exemplifies these complexities. He received a life sentence in 2005 for the murder of Barrie Jackson, a former firefighter, outside a pub in Hull. Vicky Foster, Jackson’s ex-partner and mentioned in the study, has publicly shared her feelings about having the man who killed her children’s father labeled a hero after the London Bridge incident.
Dr. Karcher concluded, “In the context of a significant terrorist threat, the public acknowledgment of civilians with heightened situational awareness as ‘heroes’ carries considerable social and political weight. It proves that ordinary individuals can transition into heroism. The implications of designating someone a ‘hero’ are profound and come with high expectations, but this notion is transforming. Given the increased public demand for situational awareness, it’s now possible for anyone, even those who might be least expected, to be seen as heroes. What this means for governments, security services, media outlets, and society at large is the next critical question.”
