The Final Score: Pacquiao is both Hero and Human

"The world makes you a god and hates you for being human, and if you plead for understanding it hates you all the more. Heroes are never forgiven their success, still less their failures." - Eric Rolfe Greenberg The greats transcend the pitfalls of humanity through time. Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali had their previous transgressions. These misconducts are now easily overlooked. Their mythical status cleanses past lives blemished by arrogance, impunity and other sins generated by fame. Many backroom stories will never be told. Some might see print in an authorized memoir here and an unauthorized biography there. Most people, however, don’t allow legends to fall from grace. Let immortals enjoy their fabled existence. It makes little sense to pull legends down to the level of cautionary tales. Legends are too reverent, much too stacked with sentimental value to be dragged into the mess we call reality. Let legends do what they do best – inspire believers to become superhuman. Unfortunately for Manny Pacquiao, he is an active star, a living legend. Someday he will become myth. At the moment, however, he is real. As real as the blood that had to be drained from his swollen ear. Unlike Ruth, Manny is alive. Unlike Ali, Manny is at his prime. Manny doesn’t enjoy immunity granted by a nation’s selective memory sharpened by tall tales. Oh how we lionized Pacman just days ago. We all said he was as beautiful as Mona Lisa, as pure as Galahad and as impartial as a wrecking ball while he put poor Cotto to shame. Alas, fame has a way of becoming your best friend today, your worst nightmare the day after. The cheers have all died down. As the hero goes on sabbatical, Pacquiao’s human form takes center stage. Manny’s perfect. He’s a role model for an entire nation, right? Firstly, no hero, no matter how adept he is at throwing his killer left, is perfect. Secondly, I find it hard to imagine how a man trained to inflict physical, psychological damage on another man becomes a role model. I don’t know anyone who’s perfect. I do know others more qualified to wear the title belt that reads "Role Model". The ability to unite and inspire, however, isn’t necessarily dependent on good morals as it is a byproduct of unwavering commitment and world-class skill. It must’ve hurt to be Cotto last Sunday. It stings, however, to be Manny today. You’re on top of the world, history is on your side, more money is on its way, yet a nation admires your heroism then questions your humanity. Comic book fans worship Wolverine, not because he is free of human failure, but because he thrives despite his natural flaws. Someday, a nation will learn to embrace Pacman as both hero and human. That’s the royal treatment saved for immortals. Until then, put up your hands Manny. The imaginary bull’s eye has moved from Cotto’s bloody face to your supposed marital flaws. And everyone is taking aim. - GMANews.TV