Cadel Evans with teammates
It’s not often you’re publicly abused before breakfast. But that’s what happened after my Today Show appearance when I exclaimed that I didn’t understand the huge deal about Cadel Evans and thought the coverage of sporting victories was disproportionate. My skin is pretty thick but I will admit the abuse came as a bit of a shock.
Not to my husband. When I called him on my way into work, reeling from the complete slagging that was happening on Twitter, he said “What happened on the show?” and I said “Cadel” and he said “Oh no babe, you didn’t do your ‘sportspeople aren’t heroes’ thing, did you?”
Um, yes. I did.
I didn’t wake up on a hobby horse. I noted that Cadel Evans had won the Tour de France and I thought “oh, that’s nice for him” and that was about it.
My first hint that I was out of step with popular opinion came when the Today Show producer called to tell me about the topics for this morning’s What’s Making News segment.
“Karl wants to do the whole thing on Cadel.” What? The whole segment? Really?
Then, I watched from the make-up room as Karl called for everyone on the set, including Lisa, Dickie and Alicia at the desk, to rise for the national anthem to celebrate Cadel’s win.
There was talk of a public holiday.
And that’s when I started to become really baffled.
The rest is a blur, possibly a nightmare and certainly something I wish hadn’t happened because nobody needs to be called 500 different awful names before they’ve eaten their Weetbix.
This is our segment:
This was my general point:
Good on Cadel. I’m sure it was an achievement and great that he won. I’m not taking anything away from his physical sporting achievement. It’s impressive to be the best in the world at something.
But I’ve always had a problem with the way Australian sportspeople are revered as heroes and worshipped above every other profession.
To me, heroes are people who help other people or who somehow work selflessly to benefit others. Nurses, doctors, scientists working to cure diseases, those who work with sick people or disadvantaged people, fire fighters and those who risk their lives in wars or their daily jobs, those who volunteer…..you get the drift.
That’s my definition of hero. I’m not saying it should be yours.
Clearly, I am in the vast, vast minority here (I certainly know that after today having been called a dog, a bitch, unAustralian, a stupid, ignorant fool, told I should lose my job, fuck off and shut the hell up, go back to writing about lipstick……and that is not even the worst of it).
But sportspeople – who spend their lives honing their physical skills with vast support from sponsors and teams of support people – well, I don’t think the word ‘heroes’ applies to them particularly.
I think pursuing a life doing something you’re good at for the benefit of yourself is not heroic. It’s not a BAD thing, I’m not dissing Cadel (of course not!) but the idea that a sports person should be idolised because they can ride far or jump high or swim fast is, to me, a bit odd. I guess I’m just flagging the fact that if you do well in sport, the country and the media stop to worship you in a way that doesn’t happen to anyone else for doing anything else.
The abuse I received was instant and it continues, seemingly unabated. I have a pretty thick skin but by 8:15 I was in tears. I genuinely miscalculated the level of viciousness my comments (which I have made many times before) would provoke. My bad. Not for stating my opinion but perhaps for misreading the mood and the audience.
Many people have made the point that it’s great to have role models for kids to look up to, to encourage them to get on a bike or kick a ball. I agree absolutely. They’re certainly better role models than rappers or reality TV stars.
But I only wish other kinds of heroes would receive the same media and popular adulation, that kids could see that you could be wildly popular for helping others or doing something other than having a physical skill.
My husband explained to me that it brings people together and that this can’t be a bad thing. I guess. Things that make people feel good are important in a world of bad news. For that reason alone I can understand why it’s a good thing. And with the bad news that’s been around this past weekend, some good news is welcome.
But that’s not something I particularly understand either – I don’t feel closer to anyone or more proud to be Australian etc because someone won the most gruelling bike race in the world.
Anyway. I like to think I have a pretty good handle on popular opinion – not that I necessarily fall in line with it but I usually understand how it works. Not today though.
Two more things.
To those who are accusing me of being a killjoy, I would not have written this post of my own volition. I didn’t feel so strongly about it that I would have written it unprompted. It happened to be my Today Show day and I was asked my opinion and gave it.
Also, Cadel and other sports people are inspirational, strong, yep. We can celebrate them and should celebrate them – just like I celebrated when my cousin won an Oscar a few months ago. But I didn’t call him a hero.
If you strongly disagree with me, I would genuinely love to understand how sporting success makes you feel. Please don’t abuse me for not understanding it, I’ve had enough of that today. Still, I always have my mind open and am ready to learn about other opinions, this morning I was just expressing my own.
For a different view, check out Anthony Sharwood’s piece at The Punch here: http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/thank-you-cadel-youve-done-us-all-proud/
UPDATE: It’s 24 hours after I posted this and the reaction continues to astonish me. I had no idea that questioning the worship of a sports star could unleash such extraordinary vitriol. To those who have disagreed with me in a calm, civil way, I want to thank you. I have read much (not all) of the response. The Mamamia team have protected me from some of the most offensive abuse by deleting those posts so if you’re planning to leave that kind of comment below, save your breath because I won’t see it.
What I’ve learned from many of the responses is that ‘hero’ can be a subjective term. It may mean something different to you than it does to me. For many, it means role model, someone to look up to. Fair enough. I’m not telling you what to think or who to look up to.
My point was actually meant to be less about the word ‘hero’ than the disproportionate amount of media coverage and public adulation given to sports heroes as opposed to people who achieve equally amazing things in other non-sporting fields.
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Good on you, Mia. Sport is a great, group hug for some, but not everybody feels that way. And it’s no great cultural faux pas that we don’t. I regret the public lynching you’ve experienced as a result of simply expressing your opinion – THAT’S unAustralian. Chin up.
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I think there are many types and definitions of heroes. We have everyday heroes who work for the good of others, and those such as Cadel, who lead by example.
If anyone knows anything about the Tour de France they would know how much of an achievement it is to actually finish the race, let alone win it like Cadel has done. He has climbed mountains and he inspires others to do the same. I am currently completing my HSC and witnessing Cadel’s triumph has given my that spark of motivation to keep going and push until the end.
To say that sports people are only after glory, fame and money, is a gross stereotype. You don’t hear about the vast majority of cyclists who give up everything to become professional. It is a hard and tough slog to work your way to the top or even just get on a team, and the money paid is far from appetising. Speaking from experience I can say how brilliant it feels to cross the finish line after you’ve just completed an extremely tough race or ride. And no one knows who I am do they? But that doesn’t bother me. I feel so proud just to have succeeded in my personal endeavours. Cadel’s sense of personal achievement would have surpassed all others when he stood on the Champs Elysees podium, and he shows all Australians how it is possible to live your dreams.
I am not condoning any of the abusiveness that has been directed towards Mia Freedman, but Ms Freedman I think you come across as grossly ignorant. I would strongly encourage you to read Cadel Evans’ book, and also the books of other sportspeople who have overcome hardship to get to where they are today. They may not save lives like doctors and firemen, but they do put a bit more spark and enthusiasm into the lives of Australians, and inspire people to live their lives with a bit more positivity and ‘oomph’.
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Freedman on Jessica Watson
I am genuinely in awe of her achievement. Back when she set out on her voyage, crashed on the first night and then set out again, I was a doubter. I still am a little bit. Now that she has returned a hero (as she should, her achievement is astonishing) it’s easy to say it was a wonderful thing for her to have done.” – When I was 16, I got my ears pierced, suck on that Jessica Watson (May 17, 2010).
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“Did he save a life?”… he might actually gave someone inspiration and motivation to keep fighting through sickness or hard times.
I wrote more but decided it would be wasted after watching the video again.There is so much one can say, but your comments on the show…geez! “He lives in Switzerland.”…are you serious, what does that matter? Riding around Sydney would propably not help to win the Tour.
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most people have played some sort of sport at some stage in their life and when someone acheives something that is at the pinnicle of their sport they become heroes to a young generation e.g. Greg Norman was mine and watching him win golf tournaments was for me and many others something to aspire to. Hearing your opinion on the Today show it was like you are entiltled to your opinion but it was one of those things you should of thought it and not said it. Hindsight
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I am a youth of the nation, and yep, what Cadal has done is great, he’s achieved his life long dream etc… But I don’t feel inspired to go achieve my dreams. I don’t feel proud to be Australian. Proclaiming Cadal a ‘hero’ is in my eyes not appropriate, for the reasons above. To be honest what makes me cringe is the whole Australian pride factor. Cadal does live in Australia as well as in Switzerland. But honestly, who cares where he lives or was born. His achievement is fantastic no matter where he’s from. I think it’s great that people have been inspired. Personally I haven’t. And that’s okay. I also don’t need to be interested in the Tour de France, just like Mia. It doesn’t make me ‘un-australian’ because I’m not really fussed that an Australian won.
Also, Carl makes me want to vomit.
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Sporting heroes do it for the sense of personal satisfaction. Sure, it is a historic achievement, but let’s remember that heroes are generally selfless and sacrificial for the benefit of others. Cadel was riding primarily for himself, his team, for glory. More, not.
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i completely agree with you coming from a small town everyone is so obsessed with sports people and i agree that they do a great job at playing sport they shouldnt be called heroes. but i also think sports people can inspire and make you want to achieve something amazing. i think everyone should remember this is australia and we should have the right to voice our opinions without abuse its ridiculous.
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“…I’m Idaho…”
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Congratulations to Cadel, what he achieved was a fabulous. But lets not kid ourselves, sport, especially at an elite level is a selfish pursuit. I struggle with grown men, especially those with families who continue to childishly chase their sporting dream, spending large periods of the year travelling around the world away from their wives and children. I hope they grow up when they retire.
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I think the tone in which you said it came across as being negative towards cadel and his achievments as opposed to stating your opinion. It definately brings the nation closer together as we have a commong achievment to celebrate. And the tour de France is the biggest annual sporting event there is. Not just some bike race. Ask a fan why they stand on the side of a mountain for 7 hours for riders to come past in 5 minutes. It’s the comraderary and friendship, as well as the inspiration to youth to get off their gameboys and get fit. I was there this year and saw kids out in te alps and Pyrenees on their bikes, and that for me is justification enough for cadel ( and the other cyclists) efforts. I think a more educated opinion should have been given in this case.
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Go out and ride 3,430.5km in a shade over 82 hours, making sure you climb well above 2500m at least 4 times, then you’re in a real position to understand what Tour de France winners go through
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I find it very interesting, that someone who is working in the media does not understand the hype about Cadel winning the Tour de France. It might start with not understanding the sport of cycling and the emotion and passion it brings to billion of people in the world…15million watched the Tour from the side of the road!Not to mention the world wide tv audience. Every kid in the world riding around on a bike dreams at one point about winning the greates race of all, the Tour de France. Kids in Europe, America, Asia, Africa, Australia…there are bike races wherever you go and every rider dreams about the Tour (You can’t say that about cricket or rugby). Only a very few or these millions of riders make it to the start line in France and only one!!! will win. It’s not like a team sport where you have multiple players winning. There is ONE winner in the hardest race in the world, raced with pure human effort. So now, an Australian wins it for the first time ever, achieves what millions dream of and you wonder about all the reaction to your comments??????? Sad.
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Mia,
I am so sorry that some people with a similar viewpoint to my own have been so horrible, I really am. I see Cadel as a hero because he has inspired me to do something better. Having suffered with mental illness for years it is great to see the person who I chose as a role model to get out of the rut I was in finally achieve what he wanted. It gives hope to us all.
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An excerpt from http://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/news/the-enormity-of-the-tour-de-france-escapes-mia-fre/48679.htm
Road cyclists do not enjoy the million dollar salaries paid to soccer stars and basketball players. In fact, if your role is to selflessly support a superstar (as Cadel’s teammates were asked to), you are the closest thing to a cog as there is in professional sport. These aren’t the self-aggrandizing hedonists of Rugby League. Or the grubby match fixers of cricket. No. This is a professional athlete who overcame injury, frequently donates to charity and just won the most prestigious and grueling road race known to man. Mia’s arguments are wholly undeserving of the vitriol they have attracted (people are entitled to opinions after all, and hers are valid) but for any Australian who sets out to achieve something ambitious or of international import – be that saving lives, curing cancer or winning the Tour De France – nothing short of hero can define their accomplishments.
Says it all really . . .
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The newspapers are littered with devastation everyday and it’s just nice once in a while, for an Australian to break through to the front page for doing something extra-ordinary.
I’m not a cyclist and have never watched this sport, but after getting sucked in over the past few days and watching what these people put themselves through to achieve, and be the best at what they do in the world, I think it’s worth celebrating.
The person who finally cracks the cure for cancer will make the front pages also.
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I’m with you Mia. Sports people aren’t doing it for us, they’re doing it for them.
Which is fine. But let’s be honest about it.
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You’re so ignorant about Cadel and what one person achieving a dream can do for the aspiring youth of a nation. You know nothing about Cadel, nothing about the Tour de France, so don’t think that you have the right to judge somebody and bring down a national feeling of pride and good spirit.
Do yourself a favour and do as Carl says, read his book. Then you might be in a position to comment on his (lack of) achievement.
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You appear to be quite ignorant about Mia’s role as a journalist. She was asked her opinion and she gave it. Would you have rather watched her lie, like so many journalists and social commentators do these days, and claim to support something that she clearly doesn’t take an active interest in, just to keep you happy?
As a child I lacked any real interest in sport, and it honestly used to depress the hell out of me because it really did seam to be a requirement in this country if you wanted acceptance. The youth of Australia need people like Freedman to show them you can have views that differ from the mainstream majority, and also to state the (what should be) obvious fact that sportspeople are not the only heroes in our society.
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I understand that you make a life from commenting on others activities, I have no idea what else you do however I assume that puts me on a level playing field with yourself after your ignorant stand towards Cadel Evan’s acheivement. Yes, sportspeople get paid a lot of money for doing what they love, but its what they do with their money that make some of these sports people heroes for example Lance Armstrong (another cyclist) has done more for promoting cancer then any other known person. Another example from another industry that you probably have no time for is the well known band the Foo Fighters gave time to perform and raise money for flood and earthquake victims because, and i quote the lead singer ‘I’m not smart enough to do anything other then play music and this is the way I can give back’. I don’t know if you call yourself a journalist or a social commentator but I’m fairly confident that if you intend to make public comment you should really do some research first. Finally, I find your desire to take away from what makes other people happy highlights your own insecurity and perhaps, together with your lack of research and respect for readers/viewers, its time to get a real job in the real world? Good luck Mia I hope you wake up tomorrow with a new outlook on life that’s outside your self centred niave world.
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maybe you need to take a step back and look at what you wrote. IT WAS MIA’S OPINION. You have yours as well so there’s no need to call her naive or ignorant and shame people like that. Stooping to a pretty low level…
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AH Mia.
Yes it would be lovely if nurses, teachers, firemen, etc were given the same status as sporting “heroes”, but why isn’t this the case?
Let’s be honest here: I had no idea who you were until I did a bit of research and saw your accomplishments. To some folks, they would make you a hero(ine ). I am sure that there are teachers etc that have done equally well in their chosen career, but unless they blow their own horns, who will know other than immediate friends, families and beneficiaries. Why? Because they are doing something normal and as far as the media is concerned, normality is boring.
Excelling in something that is normal in the sporting fields, well that gets folks onto the back pages. Do something unique in a normal sporting field and you get to the front page.
Now, in normal life the only time that you get anywhere near the pages is if you do something bad/illegal/naughty. The Media has conditioned us to this state of affairs. Congratulations for fighting against it, but as I stated earlier, a bit of research could have saved you a lot of the hassles that have been flung in your direction.
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Mia,
You have to understand – sport is like war – there is a winner and a loser, but without the casualties. This is enormous in the scheme of things – life, money, rewards, inspiration, toil, guts, determination, you could list hundres of emotions – it breeds so much good feeling that it is almost immeasurable.
I hate cycling! But you cannot help but have a good feeling about it all, his is acheivement is huge.
Australia is a nation of 22 million or so, imagine how many people watched the Tour, struggling with Cadel all the way, and when he won, it was amazing! Now, all those people go to work or about their daily lives feeling good, so much positivity…
Sport is a war.
P.S. I still think you’re gorgeous, you are more than entitled to your opinion, and if you’re ever in Perth, I’d love to buy you lunch.
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Hi Mia, I certainly do not agree with the level of vitriol displayed and some of the comments on youtube were frankly disturbing. I’m a very committed or mad cyclist and hold a senior role in one of the states oldest cycling clubs. I would agree with you that Cadel is not a hero, he hasn’t given his life for his country. The term is not the issue and what we have seen is our DNA impregnated sports obsession coming to the fore. I love the TDF(Tour De France) as its a great travelogue for the country, it showcases the culture of the towns and the many regions. What it also shows is the great sport of cycling the diversity and sometimes lunacy of the supporters and the sheer hard gratf. Yes he is a guy that rides his bike and he is well paid though not in the same league as a tennis player now there’s a waste of money. It takes me back to being a kid and freedom on a bike, so i’m perplexed that you missed that and took the bait on the jingoism. Where you findsolace in shoes I find it in my bike and all the stuff that comes with it. Have a look behind the typical winners shot look at the effort across the years more than twenty, and look at his involvement Tibet and children’s charity there. Yes he does live overseas so what that’s where his profession is and thats one of the big points, its an euro culture iconic sport always has been and here is an Australian doing it in an understated manner and expressing his thanks to the French public in their language on the dais. Compare him to our troubled footy players of all codes and he stands well above them, Cadel would be the first to be embarrassed by the patriotic fervour. I enjoyed the whole spectacle but I take it for what it is a sporting event wrapped in history culture and childhood memories. You have every right to share your dismay and you have my support for your opinion, I do urge you to seek him out and have a chat see what all the fuss is about. Keep the course and ignore the drongos, most genuine cycle fans would see your comments i hope in the same vein. All the best.
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I’m completely with you Mia, I even appreciate your dismissive and rude attitude because the adulation of sports people and (even worse) celebrities in our culture makes me feel sick.
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Dear Mia,
After watchin g cadel evans grow as an Athlete and a man over 20 years of cycling from the time I first saw him ride when he was 15 I thought there goes a future champion of the world. he was so good on a mountain bike. Something that I tried to be trained to be , but was never meant to be. Cycling is my sport, I love the battle with yourself, over distance with what looks like speed and elegance, but in fact is lung searing leg burning pain, stinging eyes from the fluid your body pumps out, loosing a kilo a day at least riding a multi stage race. The pain from a fall, or the all to frequent training accidents from ignorant car dirvers, and brash unthinking young cyclists.
I admire cadel a great deal. In saying all this I agree, he is not my hero, not even my cycling one that honour goes to a bespectaled and pony tailed Frenchman Called laurent Finion, and a Spaniard called Miguel Indurain.
Sport is very important to this nation, I hope that Cadel is the hero of an entire new generation of Australian cyclists, at least they havean Aussie to look up to.
Please don’t be upset by people who do not understand that the word hero is much abused in this nation. I was sent a badge by the Premier of Queensland for being a Disaster Relief Hero, what rubbish, all I did was help some people that needed it.
Your alright in my book, and so is Cadel, that quiet brilliant kid from Barwon.
Keep writing
Trent Abberfield
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I think Cadel is a hero, he has come back to those mountains year after year. Put his body and mind through some of the toughest sporting conditions and this year he finally finished first. What an inspirational man!
Anyone that can push their bodies to the limit is a hero, such as sports stars, ambulance officers, doctors, nurses, men and women serving overseas. If I can’t call these men and women heros, who would you prefer I call a hero?
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Completely agree with Mia. About time someone said it. Sure, it is a great achievement….but there are so many more significant achievements that actually makes the world a better place we should be celebrating
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As we are all living in a fair, democratic and equal society, one is entitled to freely express their opinion. Although I do not necessarily agree with Mia’s opinion, we as readers, do not have the right to express our opinions in a way that degrades another. We are allowed to express our support, or our disagreement, but to publicly and, essentially bully someone through cyberspace just because some people dislike her opinion is completely unacceptable.
Personally, I think that everybody is, in some way, a hero. Whether you be a single-mother, or a teacher, or a doctor, or a student, everyone has the potential to act in a way of a hero- to succeed.
Sure, Cadel Evans hasn’t saved someone from a heart attack today, or helped students solve a maths problem, or manage to put dinner on the table for (his) children. But was he has managed to do is complete a feat that requires sheer persistence, determination, courage and skill; all of which are honourable qualities. He has indirectly united a nation to support his efforts, and is an inspiration to all in the sense that he has displayed that you can achieve great things with hard work.
If you agree with me, then that’s great. But if you don’t, I don’t expect, nor want any abuse because of it. Everyone has the right to express their views on a subject, but to purposely abuse someone because of their comments is not acceptable in today’s modern society.
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The thing is Mia, You are 100% right. I am so glad you said it, I agree with everything you said. I also hate it when I go to melbourne and people assume I even follow football, let alone barrack for a specific team. Sport to me is a stupid waste of time and money, and filled with people of questionable intellect and morals. Sportspeople make more money than life saving surgeons and firefighters, do nothing for anyone except themselves, and are stupidly worshipped by people in a sheep like fashion. Kids in victoria are brought up to love AFL, girls as young as 8 loving it simply because they are told to. Crazy.
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Excuse me? Do nothing for anyone except themselves? I have to take exception at this.
If you want a recent example of the high esteem that a sports hero is held in (other than Cadel), please take a look at the recent tributes paid on the passing of Allan “Yabby” Jeans. You will not find a finer man held in higher esteem anywhere.
But you probably wouldn’t know who he is because you are an ignoramus.
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I meant they do nothing for others while doing what they do. As in riding a bike, it did nothing for anyone else. or playing football does nothing for anyone else. Do you understand now?
And no, I’ve never heard of Allan Jeans, if he’s a sport’s person, then it’s because I’m not interested in sport. However, I don’t think that no knowing a sportsperson equates to being an ignoramus. Might want to check that one.
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“But I only wish other kinds of heroes would receive the same media and popular adulation, that kids could see that you could be wildly popular for helping others or doing something other than having a physical skill.”
I have just spent some time on your web page and I can’t find any adulation for that other kind of hero that you champion ! You’re in the media why don’t you do some adulation and then maybe our children will have other heroes !
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Spent a bit more time here…
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Wow Kate, you must be one speedy reader to get through 3695 pages worth of content so quickly!
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Mia, I am as shocked as you are by the abuse. You’re entitled to an opinion as much as anyone else. You didn’t knock Cadel’s accomplishment whatsoever, you merely highlighted the disproportionate God like status awarded to athletes over other fields. To the people throwing revolting levels of abuse – you should be utterly ashamed of yourselves. Decent people can disagree without being abusive.
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I love what Mia said. She is the only one in this crazy-mixed-up-media-world-gone-mad who has any perspective.
We need more people like Mia, people who can speak their mind without fear or favour.
On ya Mia. One big fan here!
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Quote:
“My point was actually meant to be less about the word ‘hero’ than the disproportionate amount of media coverage and public adulation given to sports heroes as opposed to people who achieve equally amazing things in other non-sporting fields.”
Have you thought that the backlash (which again, I sincerely regret you have been subjected to abuse & any threats) might ease up if you said a few magic words?
“While I am entitled to, and will continue to hold this opinion, I failed to do any research on Cadel Evans before my appearance on The Today Show. I apologise for my dismissive attitude to his historic sporting achievement, and will use my public profile and media outlets to raise awareness of people I consider more deserving of the word ‘hero’.”
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Kimberley, to disagree or agree with Mia is one thing, but it’s a little patronising to pen a response on her behalf. I’m sure she will respond further if she feels necessary, and also in her own words, not anyone else’s.
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Hi – wasn’t intending to dictate a reply. I just believe the whole situation could be ameliorated if Mia responded not just to the praise, but also to the constructive criticism. I also stand by my view that if Mia truly feels this way, she would use the ample resources available to her to tilt the media focus toward ‘real’ heroes. My brother is a ‘real’ hero, he gets more media than anyone I know, & to imply that people who save lives are somehow better or more worthy of a front page is disingenuous of Mia. She made a career publishing celebrity mags for the Packers! BTW, Mia labelled Jessica Watson a hero in a post. Double standards?
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Hi Kimberly, I actually totally agree with what you are saying, and am aware of her Jessica Watson post, and her career to date. The only thing I just felt was a bit much was to suggest a word for word reply of what many might WANT her response to be. I’m sure her actual response if and when it comes will no doubt not please everyone… but let’s wait and see! Thanks.
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I think Cadel is a much better role model than most sports people. I certainly wouldn’t call all sports stars heros but I think what Cadel has gone through to achieve this win is amazing. I think anyone that can ride through all kinds of conditions (sun, rain, mountains, time trials) for 3 weeks are amazing. I think the focus should be on looking at Cadel as an OUTSTANDING role model for everyone (young and old).
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Hello Mia,
I saw your segment on channel 9, after tuning in due to some work room chat about how wonderful a presenter Karl Stefanovic is.
I have to say I was appalled by his behaviour! Any respect I had for him and his coverage of the Brisbane floods is completely gone. I find him to be an arrogant presenter who is highly inappropriate in his dealings, ie. drunk on camera after the logies. If he worked in my industry, that would be INSTANT DISMISSAL, not the notoriety and general “Oh isn’t he funny” he managed to sail through the incident with.
Now that I have that out of the way, I would like to thank you for your opinion. I tend to absorb criticism because of my black and white view of the world. I agree with your opinion about Australia’s inflated use of thw word ‘Hero’.
My dad has been a Policeman for over 30 years in QLD, and that too me is a hero. Policing the streets and beat to keep the roads and suburbs safe for Cadel to practise riding on, without fear of being run over.
What about a Public holiday once a year for all the Police, Firefighters and Ambulance officers that lose their lifes in the line of duty. There is ANZAC day for our returned services and they have November 11 Rememberance Day as well.
In short, I very much appreciate your sentiment and empathsise with all the flak you are copping.
Cadel did a great thing for kids as a role model, just like other sports stars or business people. He is not a hero (in my subjective view of the definition) just a great sportsperson.
Thank you Mia.
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Mia, when you win a Pulitzer Prize or a Nobel Prize for literature, you will receive the same adulation as Cadel.
Sport is sport and words like hero or champion are just words, our language changes.
What we celebrate is Cadel achievement.
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Everyone has hero’s for different reason..they seek to find what they really want in themselves..my mum is my hero because she meant so much to me…she was strong, married young, raised 5 children, lost one, then lost another to drugs for many years, she loved us everyday, she cared for us even when times where tough, she worked hard..is she not a hero? Because she didn’t go to war..we had our own war…drugs etc…everyday she is a HERO…
And saying that we should be celebrating people who find cures, save people with surgery etc..I only wish my daughter could one day be like that. but unfortunately no matter how hard she tries her brain doesn’t work like that of a brain surgeon..she struggles everyday at school, we have tutors etc which help her cope with what others take for granted..guess what though? She is fantastic at sport, she is a natural…so one day when she stands on the dais I will cheer for her, because I know that she is a hero to me for never giving up,,,not everyone is blessed with the intelligence to be a rhode scholar, but surely that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be celebrated…everyone should be celebrated for all their achievements
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The fact that so many people are outraged by what Mia has said suggests that her opinion actually matters. That is what baffles me the most.
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I think her opinion does matter, she the publisher of this website, a journalist/columist, media consultant and someone with 20 years experience in the media industry. While I disagree with her opinion, she’s entitled to it and I respect her for it.
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There’s no doubt she’s entitled to her opinion, but her opinion (or anyone else’s) of who is or isn’t worthy of hero status should not be of much importance to anyone else in making their own judgements. We don’t all need to have the same hero.
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I get that you don’t agree with the idolisation of sportspeople. To some extent, I agree – especially when viewed in the context of American footballers and basketballers. Or the players in the English Premier League. Or to a relatively lesser extent, our own players in the National Rugby League and Australian Football League.
The attention and fawning gets to their heads, and we have the constant news reports of social indiscretions.
However, before you jump up on your soapbox and rant and rave,
“But sportspeople – who spend their lives honing their physical skills with vast support from sponsors and teams of support people – well, I don’t think the word ‘heroes’ applies to them particularly.”
You need to do some research. Find out how much monetary support the vast majority of our atheletes have as they’re training and honing their physical skills. Talk to the atheletes to find out how many of them couldn’t quite make it because they couldn’t afford to continue their training. Find out how much the athelete and their families sacrifice so that they can have their shot at achieving their dream.
Any athelete achieving “world champion” status deserves to be applauded. The very fact that they get there shouts from the rooftops the amount of sacrifice they have put in to achieve their dreams. That, at least, should be applauded as inspirational.
Sure, you can argue that Cadel didn’t save any lives over the last three weeks. But I could also argue that his achievements after trying to win the Tour for 5+ years likely inspired a lot of people. made a lot of people feel good in, as you say, these times full of bad news.
How much is making millions of your countrymen and women feel good worth?
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I think we are missing the point here. It is quite obvious that the real heroes are…Social commentators. What a glorious profession offering insightful analysis on an incredibly diverse range of topics from what Kim Kardashian’s latest dress looked like, to a canvassing of the latest issues raised by last weeks Masterchef episode. Commenting on the vacuous lives of famous people requires a heroic level of profundity and valour. This heroism has reached epic proportions due to the well researched exposition of the farce who is Cadel Evans. Who is he to work hard and pursue excellence? This modest and genuine person has rightly been exposed for being successful at what he does. That a social commentator on morning television can deliberately make an inflammatory comment on his ‘hero’ status, which in turn has led to a vapid debate on who should be classified a hero (and a great increase in site traffic) is only fair for such a false idol. That is true courage.
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Oh dear. What a terrible reaction you have suffered. Its extremely disappointing and in no way adds to the discussion. My opnion –
I’m not sure if I would call Cadel a hero, but I am in awe of his determination. Since we put sporting heroes up on a pedestal they are in closer view than many others, like the very worthy you speak of. But it does mean we get to understand some of the hardship and difficulties sportspeople suffer. I know, he gets lots of money and support. But he is also a fellow who has publicly suffered from his private and somewhat eccentric nature. You can see his maturation in the way he has approached the press and the bike and I salute him for the difficult personal journey he has most probably made to get there. I think I would call him a hero, but I would also call those other unsung heroes you mention heroes. I we really do idolise sportspeople above so many worthy others (try to earn a living as an artist or a writer in this country?)
All the best, forget the rest
Jo
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I’ve got a pretty good idea of what Mia’s worst will be, this week………
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The negative reaction to Mia’s segment on the Today Show had very little to do with “questioning the worship of a sports star”. It was all in the delivery. If she was able to formulate an intelligent and thoughtful argument about the disproportionate adulation given to sporting heroes, I really dont think this would be such a big deal
Instead she came across as rude, ill-informed and petulant.
And please stop trotting out the line that your heroes are “doctors, nurses, scientists etc” Really? I don’t see any of these professions getting much coverage on your blog. And for the record, as a doctor, while there are some in my profession that do wonderful selfless work, they are in the minority. Of course the majority want to help people but they are also motivated by money and prestige.
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I competely agree with you on this one. She came across as not giving a toss which is fine if that’s her opinion but as you said, those she indicated are ‘heroes’ don’t ever crack a mention from her.
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As a person in the public and media fields Mia should know that body language and tone can give across a message in a different way to what you mean. Maybe it is something to be aware of next time you comment on something. I think your tone and body laguage came across very negatively as though you just didn’t care which has put people on Cadel’s side.
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Dear Elise, thankyou for highlighting the fact that ordinary people are more heroic than professional sportspeople. In this context I take it that you are referring to Cadel Evans. I was expelled from High School in Year 9 and ever since have been on the Dole. I use this money to go surfing, buy longnecks and spray paint my art on local council facilities. I am sick and tired of people calling me a miscreant, a dole bludger and no-good. It is about time that people acknowledge that I am more heroic than Cadel Evans, he who rose from outback Australia to conquer the world of cycling whilst supporting worthwhile causes in his spare time, like the fate of the Tibetan people. Thankyou Elise, for acknowledging that I am more heroic than Cadel Evans, your opinion is completely correct. I will enjoy my 7 longnecks tonight safe in the knowldege that Australia sees me as a hero.
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Would I be able to get an autographed poster Dole Recipient? If you don’t have a poster, perhaps you could just sign a piece of paper and mail it to me. I will then glue it to a newsaper cutout and laminate it in blue paper for protection. Thanks
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More than 24 hours later, all that many would like to see is an acknowledgement that you were dismissive, disrespectful and poorly researched in the instance of your Today show ‘opinion piece’.
Just as many have hurt you over the past day (not condoned by me), recognising that you have the same power to do the same to others would be a start.
I’m all for debate – but it’s about playing the ball, not the man. Perhaps there are a few things you could learn from sport?
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