# Roger Ebert: A Hero In Every Sense Of The Word **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 22, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538 "2011-01-22T04:06:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/21 "2011-01-22T21:52:06Z")
> [@Capitaine\_Zombie](#): > > I imagine you wouldnt if it had been for an “_erotic thriller_”? Sorry… missing the point. 😕 If they had both raved about any movie of any genre I might have dropped everything and headed to the theater. Especially since back then movies didn’t stick around forever and video rental wasn’t happening yet. If you missed a movie, you missed it. My point was that I dropped everything and ran out to a movie of a genre that I always avoid. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![flickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7bcc69/32.png) [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/22 "2011-01-22T22:15:31Z")
Guess the OP is very much a YMMV statement… Brave man? - yes Knowledgeable name? - yes Was half of a team that gave good film reviews, while being entertaining? - yes Hero - Not so much ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/23 "2011-01-22T23:57:58Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > BTW, that animated man and his dog movie that they previewed last night looked pretty good. I didn’t see the show, but based on this, I’m going to assume they were talking about [My Dog Tulip](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0843358/). If so, I saw that a couple of weeks ago and I too (? I assume they liked it) thought it was very good. It’s hilariously raunchy in spots, it’s NOT a movie for kids, but it’s funny and moving. I think it would appeal to both those who like dogs on a casual basis (like me), and those who consider themselves die-hard dog lovers. I wanted to see it again but it only played a week. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/24 "2011-01-23T05:52:48Z")
I hear he’s going to sit in with Dick Clark next New Year’s Eve. Clark is going to do the reading required by Ebert. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/25 "2011-01-23T05:59:00Z")
Probably. 😉 But then so will Trey Parker and Matt Stone when they get hold of this for South Park. So if you do, at least you’ll be in good company! 🙂 Q ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/26 "2011-01-24T03:40:52Z")
> [@](#): > > A Hero In Every Sense Of The Word Point me to the news story where he risked his own life and safety to rescue someone else in danger. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/27 "2011-01-24T04:02:36Z")
> [@Equipoise](#): > > I didn’t see the show, but based on this, I’m going to assume they were talking about [My Dog Tulip](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0843358/). If so, I saw that a couple of weeks ago and I too (? I assume they liked it) thought it was very good. It’s hilariously raunchy in spots, it’s NOT a movie for kids, but it’s funny and moving. I think it would appeal to both those who like dogs on a casual basis (like me), and those who consider themselves die-hard dog lovers. I wanted to see it again but it only played a week. Yep, that’s it. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/28 "2011-01-24T04:12:29Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/29 "2011-01-24T04:18:32Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > Point me to the news story where he risked his own life and safety to rescue someone else in danger. I misspoke. I was taken by his bravery and touched and inspired by his refusal to give up. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/30 "2011-01-24T06:20:20Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > my favorite genre is what would probably be called “erotic thrillers.” > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I immediately got dressed and flew out the door on my way to the theater > [@Capitaine\_Zombie](#): > > I imagine you wouldnt if it had been for an “_erotic thriller_”? > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Sorry… missing the point. 😕 Best whoosh I’ve seen in a long while! 🙂 **@ Thelma Lou:** “I immediately got dressed.” “You wouldn’t if it had been for an _erotic thriller_.” _Erotic_ suggests _sans apparel._ ---
**Author:** ![SecretaryofEvil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@SecretaryofEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecretaryofEvil)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/31 "2011-01-24T16:17:18Z")
I don’t think I would call Ebert a hero. I mean, I kinda like Ebert and I’m glad he’s not letting his health problems keep him down and what not, but that’s not really what I think of when I think of hero. When I think hero I think of somebody voluntarily puts them self in harm’s way for the greater good. Now there is a lot of wiggle room in my definition, and I’m not saying it’s the only valid one, but it is a pet peeve of mine when people toss around words like hero so casually. If a guy overcomes having abusive parents, an underfunded public school, and severe bouts of gout, and eventually wins a college scholarship and becomes a successful investment banker, that’s great and all and there are hundreds of nice words you could use to describe him, but hero isn’t one of them. I hate when people label a person a hero simply for overcoming some sort of adversity. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/32 "2011-01-24T16:18:25Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Best whoosh I’ve seen in a long while! 🙂 > > **@ Thelma Lou:** “I immediately got dressed.” “You wouldn’t if it had been for an _erotic thriller_.” > > _Erotic_ suggests _sans apparel._ Color me dense, clueless, and naked. \ Still don’t get it. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![SecretaryofEvil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@SecretaryofEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecretaryofEvil)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/33 "2011-01-24T16:18:26Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > I misspoke. > > I was taken by his bravery and touched and inspired by his refusal to give up. Whoops I missed this post. Sorry to keep bitching you out over the use of hero. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/34 "2011-01-24T16:34:42Z")
> [@salinqmind](#): > > Poor Roger will never EAT another hero, or any other kind of sandwich, ever again. Now now, don’t feel too sorry for him. Even he’s managed to keep a stiff upper lip throughout it all. While I’m a tad hesitant to call him a “hero” per se, I do completely agree that his willingness to remain in the public eye after such a disturbing, disfiguring malady is extremely commendable. If he hadn’t I think we all would understand his reticence but being so open, honest and even inviting about it’s discussion is both informative and inspirational. Roger reminds me of a couple of people I’ve known personally that went through a medical tragedy and somehow came out of it displaying a sense of strength that you might never have known existed otherwise. Good on ya’, Rog. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/35 "2011-01-24T17:22:59Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > I hate when people label a person a hero simply for overcoming some sort of adversity. I get it, but why do you hate it so much? Did you know a hero and now you don’t like the word tossed around? I mean, why so passionate about it? ---
**Author:** ![Gundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/36 "2011-01-24T21:43:37Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > Some inside info. The show is produced in a very old, very very tiny studio at PBS Chicago. The backgrounds are all [DuroTrans](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duratrans) images. Those are not real walls. > > Cartooniverse It’s not THAT tiny, but it is old. And it’s a homecoming of sorts since “Sneak Previews”, the original version of “Siskel and Ebert At The Movies”, was filmed at WTTW. WTTW even dug up the original movie seats from “Sneak Previews” for Ebert. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/37 "2011-01-24T21:52:58Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Color me dense, clueless, and naked. \ Still don’t get it. :rolleyes: Masturbation. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/38 "2011-01-25T01:00:26Z")
What is with the “a hero is someone who rescues someone, or risks his own life” definition? After the mythological half-god definition, my Webster’s says, “any man admired for his courage, nobility, or exploits, esp. in war” and “any man admired for his qualities or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model.” I can think of few people I admire more for their courage and nobility, or who is a better role model than Roger Ebert. So I guess he is a hero in two out of five senses of the word. By the way, Webster’s other definitions are the protagonist of a story; a central figure in a historical event or period; and a sandwich. Nothing about putting yourself in harm’s way to save someone else. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/39 "2011-01-25T02:20:54Z")
Well, Ebert’s recently gone for some very crazy ideas, like this one. [http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/09/put\_up\_or\_shut\_up.html](http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/09/put_up_or_shut_up.html) > [@](#): > > If Beck had planned to come to Anchorage on another date, it wouldn’t have excited much notice. But any meeting in Alaska on 9/11 without Palin also present will be anticlimactic. It’s too far to go not to feature her. The symbolic date of 9/11 invests this event with the \*\*inescapable possibility that he and Palin plan to announce their Presidential candidacy for 2012. \*\* As a commenter pointed out, “inescapable possibility” is contradictory and meaningless. And his near-paranoid prediction was a spectacular failure. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538/40 "2011-01-25T02:26:45Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > By the way, Webster’s other definitions are the protagonist of a story; a central figure in a historical event or period; and a sandwich. Nothing about putting yourself in harm’s way to save someone else. A prescriptivist. Hmm. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ebert-a-hero-in-every-sense-of-the-word/568538.md?page=3)