If you’ve not heard all the buzz about The Hunger Games, it’s safe to assume you’ve been living under a rock! I just saw the movie and while I enjoyed it, it was not as good as the book. Books always have more detail and the reader’s imagination is oftentimes more elaborate than what is on the movie screen. However, I did appreciate the fact that they did do a good job of minimizing the on-screen violence and left much of it up to the viewer’s imagination.
I am a fan of the series and after seeing all the craziness and long lines for opening weekend, it got me thinking – why are so many people so drawn to this story? After all, it’s a futuristic tale about a postapocalyptic world where there is an annual event, The Hunger Games. One boy and one girl aged 12 to 18 from each of the 12 districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death, until there is only one survivor. Sounds dreadful, right? But millions of people and their love for the story can’t be wrong. I think the big draw is that we are hungry for heroes!
Katniss, the story’s heroine, demonstrates courage, loyalty and love. She makes extreme sacrifices for those she cares about and because of her heroic actions, others are loyal to her. She touches people’s lives in a way that motivate them to make sacrifices of their own to repay her for her efforts. It’s clear that Katniss is driven by the need to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. She is a protector and authentic in her motives. She is a hero — and the world is looking for heroes.
So – what about you? While you may not be in situations where your sacrifices are life and death decisions, what are you willing to do for others? How can you be a hero for your team at work? for your family and other loved ones?
What can you start doing today to:
- Stand up for what is right vs. what is popular?
- Give up something for yourself in order to make another person successful or bring another person happiness?
- Be honest in communicating a difficult message with compassion?
Again, it’s obvious the world is hungry for heroes so go for it – be a hero to those around you! Who knows? Maybe there will be people waiting in long lines just to be close to you – their hero!
Martha Duesterhoft is a Partner with PeopleResults. Contact her at mduesterhoft@www.people-results.com or on Twitter @MDuesterhoft.
