Heroes and Villains

When someone goes an extra mile to help others s/he is considered a hero by those showing appreciation. In addition, we also refer to those who brave dangerous conditions/circumstances to save others’ lives as heroes, like the recent story of a certain gentleman in some informal settlement who braved an inferno to save a life (a story for another day). He is regarded a hero to the life he saved, a hero to the family and a hero in that informal settlement community.

Ever wondered about the origins of the word? Well I hear it owes its origins to Greek Mythology and is somewhat explained as a word that means a defender/protector. Apparently the definition originally referred heroism to martial courage or excellence (think of the exploits of Hercules, Odysseus, Theseus to name but a few) and later the definition was extended to more general moral excellence (heroes of Greek Mythology would never qualify in this category;-).

Now that we are all on the same page, like everybody else I also have a fixation with heroes. Top of my list are the garbage/waste collectors. I should warn you that there won't be any mention of my family  because they are in by proxy.  In my topsy-turvy world, they were long ago anointed  to be my protectors, so whatever they do won't be seen as 'going an extra mile act'.

Anyway, the on-the-job hazards the garbage collectors are exposed to are never ending; you will find amongst other dangers disposed needles, broken glasses, diseases that come with contaminated waste, dog attacks, pests, dust, rough weathers, and foul odours. I don’t know how they do it but these men are forever smiling and full of banter. I have lived in many places and in all the places I've lived in,  I’ve yet to meet a grumpy garbage collector.

Subsequent to these guys, I also consider petrol attendants  my heroes too.The level of patience these guys exude – bless their souls! Oh my goodness, the supermarket parking attendants, (I may be showing a bias towards a particular gentleman who always find me a good spot at the supermarket). There is also the shoemaker up the road where I live, my goodness what would I do without him. I don't want to forget my neighbours (we are chalk and cheese, but operate like salt and pepper)! My list can go on forever but I think I will conclude it with Mrs Moses, my Sub A teacher (Grade 1 was called SUB A when I was young). Dear Mrs Moses, may her soul rest in peace! she smoothed me out into who I am today. I was her apprentice (another story to tell in the not so faraway future)! At the moment I just want to say I'm forever grateful to have met my heroes.

Lord be hold! I seem to be going on about the good guys, you know we can’t really tell stories about heroes without mentioning villains. They creep out everywhere where there is a good guy. We have Lex Luthor in pursuit of Superman. We have Popeye’s world being the target of Bluto’s envy. There is also Megamind who defeats Metro Man but later finds out that life is without purpose without Metro Man. Talk about the reality of life!

Nevertheless, like everyone else I also have a few people I secretly wish them many things that would not be appear on this page, like the girl you meet at the till-counter when you have to pay for an item, who’d size you up then make a suggestion that a certain brand will be good since the one you are about to pay for is expensive. Not to mention the girl who chooses to serve a handsome gentleman behind you at the confectionary. Once I threw a fit, and overheard the little witch mumbling something that sounded like she doesn’t know why I frequent that counter since I was already bulkier than the hippopotamus.

These are just a few faces that are accorded the VIP spot on my dart board. However, these don’t top what I secretly wish to bestow on one  particular person, my Standard 4 teacher. She was the meanest person I’ve ever met. She made me hate school. I know sometimes that I asked for it because I was a little Missknowitall, but it was all for her. I tried so hard to impress her, she just didn't like me! I couldn’t understand why she didn’t like me because everyone liked me, corpulent shape and all! Anyway, if she is alive I know she will never be able to read this extract because she would be as old as hills, besides she wouldn't be techno savvy. But if she does read this, when it is late at night and her old bones are stinging, I'm in collaboration with the universe against her because that's what always happen to villains in the end, the universe returns everything the villain once dished out!.