Conclusion

In times of crisis, it is natural to reach for something to provide meaning and context for what is happening. From the creation of the border hero Gregorio Cortez, the sanctification of important liturgical figures, and to the modern desire to see healthcare workers as heroes, this process provides a real sense of community for the people celebrating the archetype. In the first two examples, however, the myth-making is done after the death of the hero. In death, the making of a hero does not create undue expectations. But for the living, heroism can have real detrimental effects.

 

While the healthcare hero has helped the public make sense of the pandemic, it has only caused more moral trauma and psychological stress on our healthcare workers. These are real, living people who chose to do a job. While certain acts performed (such as choosing to move from an administrative position to the ICU) can be seen as supererogatory, the majority of these people are just doing their jobs. While the archetype has created a sense of purpose and gratitude (although that has changed as the onus has moved onto the public with the introduction of vaccines), it has also failed to imagine real people completely. “Heroes work here,” the signs say, as another nurse watches yet another patient die and political leaders declare the fight over.