I am no fan of the generic use of the term "hero." I think it's overused and romanticized far too often and carelessly. We should reserve this term for those special people who really sacrifice, who risk and who inspire.

My complaint with the New York Post (aside from their blatant right wing leanings bleeding into what should be objective journalism) is that every time a policeman or fireman is mentioned in an article, they are referred to as "New York's Finest" (police) and "New York's Bravest" (firemen). Granted these fine people do come into the line of danger every day, but The Post, that fine hallmark of journalism, never started calling them by this term UNTIL after the tragedy of September 11th. Every time one of these bravest or finest faces jeopardy (which sadly, is a part of their job); they are bandied as "heroes" in 36 point type in the paper. I agree it takes a strong person to face potential danger every day, but jeers to The Post for not making a big deal about it until everyone started chest-beating on September 12th. That just makes you look like hypocrites. Yes, we should celebrate true heroism and bravery, but we should also celebrate the unique characteristics and influences that make a real hero.

We each have our standards of heroism. What is particularly moving to you might not be so to another. It's important to respect one other's representations of heroes and perhaps, in the process, come to appreciate those others particularly admire.

I was thinking about heroes today. One of those people I would personally categorize as a hero passed away yesterday: Ahmet Ertegun. He influenced multiple generations of musicians who found their voice in the roots in R&B. I have always been an outright admirer of this man. He was already at a disadvantage, coming from an Egyptian background at a time when the world was quite black and white. He loved Duke Ellington and that passion for swing and blues and jazz led him on the path of his destiny. He founded Atlantic Records and was the force behind incredibly influential artists of this century: Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Eric Clapton...I cringe to imagine if these voices were not with us today.

For me, Jackie Robinson is a hero. Bessie Smith is a hero. Isadora Duncan is a hero. Anyone who willingly goes to war and fights for their country, whether wrong or right or politically correct is not an issue--If they put their life on the line because they embrace the simple values of patriotism, that makes them, in my book, a hero. Regardless of your politics, that takes a particular brand of courage that can not be simply defined. Thomas Jefferson is my hero. So are Mark Twain, Paul Robeson, T.E. Lawrence, Abraham Lincoln, Branch Rickey, Shelby Foote, Julia Child, UN Peacekeepers, Louis Armstrong, Sir Thomas Moore, Weegee, Nancy Mitford, Diana Vreeland, Dorothy Parker and Charles Worth. And for her inspiration, my pal Hollaback Girl. And for her voice of conscience, MaryCatherineFullof Grace.

I have many heroes, but for each of them, their influence, their importance is equally felt.

Who are yours?