Forget football, watch ‘CNN Heroes’

Each year, I’m always impressed on how this country can rally together for the holiday season.

Families force themselves to have a “traditional” dinner with loved ones. Radio stations raid the airwaves with Christmas jingles.

The Starbucks cups transform from normal white to a deep red.

You can’t escape the commercialized insanity.

But as there is detest in this annual 30-ish day period in the year (I prefer to celebrate birthdays), there’s a new tradition I’ve grown really fond of during Thanksgiving break.
 
When millions watch the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” or the “National Dog Show,” my television will be tuned to “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.”

This is the show where everyday people are recognized for making the world a better place.

Starting in 2007, “Heroes” are nominated and voted on by viewers on CNN’s website throughout the year.

The winners are announced in November, and for a few hours, Anderson Cooper as well as other Hollywood celebrities share the stories of these individuals who have made a difference in this world, with one person being crowned the “Hero of the Year.”
Now I’m not going to lie by saying this show is a nice way for all of us to “count our blessings.”

Nor is there a guarantee that there won’t be a dry eye in sight.

CNN Heroes reminds us just how great life is for this country, and it also should fuse a personal commitment to help those who might need an extra hand. 

This year’s winner only follows the tradition that the program has set in its young existence.

Anuradha Kiorala is a woman serving one purpose: rescuing women and girls from the underground sex slavery market in Nepal.

Through her efforts with Maiti Nepal, Kiorala has saved more than 12,000 women from human trafficking, and has provided shelter, opportunities and a sense of home with their transition back to normalcy.

Kiorala, after winning the prize of “Hero of the Year,” received $100,000 for further contributions for Maiti Nepal and her cause.

In addition, each honored hero also received $25,000.

The “CNN Heroes” program instills a cultural epidemic this country neglects to realize each year.

Yes, the economy hasn’t been the best and opportunity isn’t what we’re used to in America.

Instead of glorifying ourselves with meals and gifts, we should give thanks to those who dedicate their lives to others.

The moment this problem is cured will be the time when the world won’t correlate arrogance with Americans.

“CNN Heroes” will air at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

I hope this is the beginning of a long-standing tradition of glorifying the people who really make this world a better place.


E-mail: dreander@indiana.edu