The American Hero Myth with Marine Veteran Brian O’Hare

In his award-winning book of short stories, Surrender, Brian O’Hare delves into the complexities of the American hero myth and its impact on his own life. As the son of a larger-than-life Marine officer, O’Hare was drawn to the allure of military service, seeking to emulate his father’s legacy.

However, after witnessing the devastating effects of war on his father’s health, O’Hare began to question the validity of the hero myth. He realized that the idealized image of the American hero, often portrayed in Hollywood films and popular culture, was far removed from the realities of combat.

Brian O’Hare is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, former Marine Corps officer and Persian Gulf War veteran.  Currently, he’s an award-winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. His work has appeared in War, Literature and the Arts; Hobart,Electric Literature and others, and has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. Most recently, National Book Award winner Phil Klay awarded Brian Syracuse University Press’ 2021 Veterans Writing Award for Surrender.

Through his writing, O’Hare deconstructs the myth of the team captain and the Marine, exposing the flaws and vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface. He explores the psychological toll that war takes on individuals, the sacrifices they make, and the lasting scars they bear.

O’Hare’s journey is a personal one, but it also resonates with a broader cultural shift. As society evolves, so too does our understanding of heroism. The traditional notions of masculinity and military prowess are being challenged, and new definitions of heroism are emerging.

In Surrender, O’Hare invites us to question our own assumptions about what it means to be a hero. He suggests that true heroism lies not in physical strength or military glory, but in the courage to face our own mortality, to embrace our imperfections, and to strive for a more just and compassionate world.

As O’Hare reflects on his father’s legacy and his own experiences, he grapples with the question of what he will pass on to his son. He recognizes that the American hero myth is a powerful force, but he also believes that it is essential to challenge its limitations and to create a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of heroism.

Through his writing, O’Hare hopes to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and to question the myths that shape our society. By demythologizing the American hero myth, he opens up the possibility for a more authentic and meaningful definition of heroism to emerge.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

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