December 24, 2008

CNN HEROES - Ordinary People Extraordinary Impact

I just finished watching the show CNN HEROES and knew I had to blog about it. Only yesterday during my blog rounds I went to Happenings and she was asking when to give and under what circumstances one should give people money. I left a comment after reading her post saying it’s hard to discern “truly needy” people from amongst the many beggars we see around us because there are many con men and women out there on the streets interested in ripping off generous people. My Nigerian readers will understand what I mean. We are approached by them when we walk the streets, when we wait at bus stops, when we are stuck in traffic (go-slow) etcetera; they beg us for alms even though they look physically OK.

Anyway, CNN HEROES is an inspiring award show that honours everyday people who make effort – no matter how “tiny” or small scale it may seem, to help lessen or alleviate the suffering of their fellow humans. These Heroes help, inspire and motivate “truly needy” people. It’s impossible to decide which Hero's account is most inspiring. All the personal accounts were fantastic, moving, wonderful and so, so inspiring. Just watching the well made video clips showing these Heroes at work can make anyone leak from the eyes. The humble acceptance speeches given by the award recipients were equally moving. They are simply everyday people compassionate and bold enough to reach out and help those around or far away from them. They are simply everyday people who are being honoured and recognized by the people around them(each award recipient won $25,000 while the CNN HERO of the Year, Liz McCartney won $100,000). That’s something Nigerians and citizens of other countries should emulate, recognizing the Heroes amongst us.

Visit CNN Heroes for the moving accounts and an overview of the celebrity studded award night.

6 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas...I watched CNN Heroes live (in november) and it was really touching to see what people with so little could talk less of the very priviledged (the Nanny who opened a school in Malawi). I was truely motivated.

    I hope Nigeria awards truely deserving people rather than corrupt politicians when they give Orde of the Niger (CON) awards..

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  2. Oh boy, nice one and typical of you.
    Take care, Smiggle!

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  3. @Ladi

    Thank you for commenting oh. I did not know the show was on TV before that day...maybe it was shown when i was in school.

    @Eromo

    Okay...wat du mean? Have a nice holiday.

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  4. happy new year. Recognizing heroes is a key means of encouraging others to step outside of themselves and make sacrifices for the larger/greater good.

    Nowadays, we are more interested in honoring the infamous and the rich.

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