Following Saturday's seriously climactic finish of USA vs. Russia in hockey, where TJ Oshie rightfully became a household name after willing the US to victory in a shootout, fans were treated to a great post-game interview. Hockey players make for some of the best interviews in my opinion because most of them have clearly not had media training and seem to genuinely love what they do.
TJ Oshie is no different. He said all of the right things in several interviews - the thanks should go to US goalie Jonathan Quick, this was really a solid team effort, forecheck, forecheck and forecheck some more - and, of course, in what has become a strange motif of all sporting interviews, Oshie brushes off the title of hero and says that "the American heroes are wearing camo."
Nobody doubts that our American soldiers, whether overseas or based here in the US, are truly heroes for which we all owe great thanks. Athletes, in particular, have become rather fond of praising the troops whenever the opportunity arises. Great! The more appreciation and recognition, the better.
Then a curious thing started happening. This meme started to make its way around Facebook:
You know what, I don't even have the time to sit here and pretend to be diplomatic about this. If you liked this meme on Facebook, retweeted it, shared it on Instagram or whatever form of social media you used - you are dumber than a lobotomized pig and I think less of you.
You're totally right - LeBron is definitely against the troops and is completely selfish for saying that he likes being seen as a role model. Anyone who embraces that fact and is cognizant that it affects his actions on and off the court clearly cares about nobody but himself. No, that makes plenty of sense. I mean, how DARE he suggest that he can serve as a level to aspire to for kids and adults of any age. Coupled with the audacity of not showing love for the troops? ASSHOLE.
Seriously, though, can someone please explain this to me? Why are we trying to vilify LeBron here? It's not like he does about 45x (at LEAST) the number of interviews that TJ Oshie does on a yearly basis and has almost certainly given his thanks to the troops at some point.
Oh, wait. Yes, he has - LeBron James does right by troops. Thank you, internet archives, for allowing me to Google that in approximately 10 seconds and post it to show just how truly idiotic people are for making this comparison.
Supporting the troops is a given. Saying it in every single interview is not a requirement. Especially for a guy who is interviewed multiple times a week.
And promoting bull shit memes like this perpetuates the stereotype of the self-absorbed, thinks-he's-the-greatest-of-all-time black athlete and nobody should stand for it.
LeBron James is a hero to millions of people around the world for his works on and off the court. TJ Oshie is a hero to so many patriots in this country who feel that the Olympics stand for something more than just sports. And the troops that support us are certainly heroes as well - a fact that barely needs repeating at this point.
It's great to remind ourselves that there isn't just one type of heroes in this world.
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