MSNBC commentator Chris Hayes has gotten into some trouble for comments he made yesterday about the use of the word "hero" in reference to US military personnel. The relevant segment begins around 6:30:
In essence, Hayes thinks the word is overused; the overuse makes it too easy to justify wars that have no justification (think all the wars the US has been involved in since WWII). Hayes is right of course, and it was good to see fellow linguist John McWhorter and other panel members agreeing.
The fact that he felt a need to apologize reflects the fetishization of the military and war that permeates US culture. We dare not question the actions of our Dear Leaders without feeling the consequences.
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