Posted on Jul 18, 2015
"A Soldier Who Got Tired Of Reading That Caitlyn Jenner Isn’t A Hero Wrote An Amazing Response"
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From: Buzzfeed
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Last month, ESPN announced it would honor Caitlyn Jenner at the ESPYs with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Jenner accepted the award at Wednesday’s ceremony with a moving speech about transgender issues.
But ESPN’s decision to honor Jenner was criticized online soon after it was announced, partly due to a viral meme — which BuzzFeed News and others debunked — that said Iraq war veteran and amputee Noah Galloway was the “runner-up” for the prize.
One of the people frequently cited as “more deserving” was Lauren Hill, a college basketball player who died of cancer earlier this year.
But many of the people cited were members of the U.S. military. Including American Sniper’s Chris Kyle.
The social media chatter continued after ESPN’s announcement up until the ceremony this week.
But a U.S. Army soldier named Joey Vicente decided he had had enough of the negativity.
The 23-year-old, who serves as a behavioral health specialist in the Army, wrote on Facebook that Jenner is a hero, and those who don’t think so don’t get a say on the matter.
“Your definition of what or who a hero can or cannot be is irrelevant,” he wrote. “What if I told you that her speech last night saved even one human being from attempting to take their life. I’d call that a victory on any scale.”
Vicente said he posted to Facebook because he wants people to realize they need to be more respectful on social media.
“Bigotry in any form is unacceptable and I guess I was just fed up with seeing people’s offensive remarks about a person they know nothing about,” he told BuzzFeed News.
Although Vicente only shared his post with his friends, it began to make waves in his social circle due to his fresh take.
Vicente agreed to share his thoughts with BuzzFeed News, saying, “I posted what I posted because it’s what I feel.” He added, “I joined the service and picked my job because I love helping people. I love positivity and I love my country.”
http://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniemcneal/a-soldier-had-the-best-response-to-those-who-thought-caitlyn#.kdmqvb0zR
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Last month, ESPN announced it would honor Caitlyn Jenner at the ESPYs with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Jenner accepted the award at Wednesday’s ceremony with a moving speech about transgender issues.
But ESPN’s decision to honor Jenner was criticized online soon after it was announced, partly due to a viral meme — which BuzzFeed News and others debunked — that said Iraq war veteran and amputee Noah Galloway was the “runner-up” for the prize.
One of the people frequently cited as “more deserving” was Lauren Hill, a college basketball player who died of cancer earlier this year.
But many of the people cited were members of the U.S. military. Including American Sniper’s Chris Kyle.
The social media chatter continued after ESPN’s announcement up until the ceremony this week.
But a U.S. Army soldier named Joey Vicente decided he had had enough of the negativity.
The 23-year-old, who serves as a behavioral health specialist in the Army, wrote on Facebook that Jenner is a hero, and those who don’t think so don’t get a say on the matter.
“Your definition of what or who a hero can or cannot be is irrelevant,” he wrote. “What if I told you that her speech last night saved even one human being from attempting to take their life. I’d call that a victory on any scale.”
Vicente said he posted to Facebook because he wants people to realize they need to be more respectful on social media.
“Bigotry in any form is unacceptable and I guess I was just fed up with seeing people’s offensive remarks about a person they know nothing about,” he told BuzzFeed News.
Although Vicente only shared his post with his friends, it began to make waves in his social circle due to his fresh take.
Vicente agreed to share his thoughts with BuzzFeed News, saying, “I posted what I posted because it’s what I feel.” He added, “I joined the service and picked my job because I love helping people. I love positivity and I love my country.”
http://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniemcneal/a-soldier-had-the-best-response-to-those-who-thought-caitlyn#.kdmqvb0zR
Army
Leader
Pop Culture
Transgender
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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How the hell is it "bigotry" to say that a sex-change is not heroic? And where the hell does this dude get off trying to silence those who disagree with him saying "those who don't think [he is a hero] don't get a say on the matter?"
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In life everyone faces things that no one else knows or understands. Some things that mean nothing to you may mean everything to someone else.
We should not judge others because although we think we know we do not know what burdens they are bearing.
We should not judge others because although we think we know we do not know what burdens they are bearing.
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SPC David Batterson
I admit I don't understand Caitlyn Jenner, and why she didn't want to be Bruce Jenner anymore. But I never walked a mile in her shoes (and glad I didn't). But she does stand as an image for the transgender community, like her or not. And that is gutsy.
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To some of you that think there's only one dynamic of a hero, such as combat action, need to take in reality of the world that surrounds us. I happen to think Einstein was a hero too. A hero is not just a person who gets blown up in combat but someone who makes a positive contribution to society. A hero also doesn't complain about other heroes while justifying their actions as being better than the other persons.
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SSG (Join to see)
Agreed, however, I think most people are taking issue with the fact that he is telling everyone that does not agree with him to basically shut up you have no say or do not matter. As to his claim that saving only one life makes him a hero, argumentative at best.
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SSG (Join to see)
This may be an extreme point but let's compare this to the people who call us baby killers. Obviously we don't agree with their point of view and would like them to shut up. So, rightfully as it is for us to speak our mind, we can rightfully tell the naysayers to shut up. Assuming she is doing this to uplift those with similar struggles, she isn't doing this to empower those who disagree.
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