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The Hero in You

Finding the heroic in us all

Relationships
Twilight and Immortality Striving

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on August 30, 2017

If we accept our human condition and the many emotions that accompany mortality such as pain, discomfort, and, ultimately, death, we can begin to move beyond it.

If we accept our human condition and the many emotions that accompany mortality such as pain, discomfort, and, ultimately, death, we can begin to move beyond it.

Cross-Cultural Psychology
Our Lost Atlantis

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on April 26, 2017

"We are not thriving. Our people live, but our culture is dying. We are like a stone the ocean beats against. With each year a little more of us is worn away." ---The Lost Empire

"We are not thriving. Our people live, but our culture is dying. We are like a stone the ocean beats against. With each year a little more of us is worn away." ---The Lost Empire

Media
Justice or Just Us?

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on July 6, 2016

What's happened to our country? A few common denominators may help you understand that what is old is new again.

What's happened to our country? A few common denominators may help you understand that what is old is new again.

Spirituality
My Cop Is a Superhero!

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on March 1, 2016

Superheroes are the most potent, mythological translators of heroism in the modern age. They serve as anchors of moral worthiness for our men and women in blue.

Superheroes are the most potent, mythological translators of heroism in the modern age. They serve as anchors of moral worthiness for our men and women in blue.

Trauma
Life After Law Enforcement

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on July 15, 2015

Although officers have a love-hate relationship with their jobs, it’s often more difficult to leave. Moving forward requires a healthy path.

Although officers have a love-hate relationship with their jobs, it’s often more difficult to leave. Moving forward requires a healthy path.

Ethics and Morality
Memorial Day: A Gift That Keeps On Giving

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on May 11, 2015

The spirit that boils from our sacrifices cannot and must not be extinguished during our dark times, yet we are reminded every day that darkness is at our doorstep.

The spirit that boils from our sacrifices cannot and must not be extinguished during our dark times, yet we are reminded every day that darkness is at our doorstep.

Identity
Why John Hughes Still Matters

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on March 20, 2015

Filmmaker John Hughes' movies remain staples of teenage angst and adolescent transition still relevant today. When looking for nostalgia, you don't have to go far.

Filmmaker John Hughes' movies remain staples of teenage angst and adolescent transition still relevant today. When looking for nostalgia, you don't have to go far.

Denial
Let Me See Your Brave

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on January 2, 2015

Predatory social dynamics often keep us in our shell despite the gut checks and intuitive instincts that tell us to stand up, speak out, and do "something."

Predatory social dynamics often keep us in our shell despite the gut checks and intuitive instincts that tell us to stand up, speak out, and do "something."

Ethics and Morality
Quit Being Your Own Archenemy

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on December 11, 2014

The label of hero or villain is fleshed out by moral choices made under pressure. Using familiar archetypes will go far in helping you find a symbol and anchor of worthiness.

The label of hero or villain is fleshed out by moral choices made under pressure. Using familiar archetypes will go far in helping you find a symbol and anchor of worthiness.

Fantasies
Moses and the Man of Steel

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on September 28, 2014

Often, our cultural impulse to attach ourselves to a family tree of symbolism. In doing so, the Bible (and comics) offer a unique treatise on the rise of heroes.

Often, our cultural impulse to attach ourselves to a family tree of symbolism. In doing so, the Bible (and comics) offer a unique treatise on the rise of heroes.

Spirituality
Watching Out for the Watchers

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on July 16, 2014

Casualties go beyond death and physical destruction. Our heroic "charge" is to pool resources for those who have become a cheap commodity in an apathetic society.

Casualties go beyond death and physical destruction. Our heroic "charge" is to pool resources for those who have become a cheap commodity in an apathetic society.

Law and Crime
Have We Sacrificed Security For Liberty?

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on May 15, 2014

"No police force can safeguard the ideals of civility and decency from a public determined to destroy them." --Edwin Delattre Someone must step in---Enter: Law Enforcement

"No police force can safeguard the ideals of civility and decency from a public determined to destroy them." --Edwin Delattre Someone must step in---Enter: Law Enforcement

Media
Don't Taze Me Bro!

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on March 23, 2014

From the baseball grandstands to political forums, the use of the TASER continues to gain momentum in the media where armchair quarterbacks watch game film on Monday morning.

From the baseball grandstands to political forums, the use of the TASER continues to gain momentum in the media where armchair quarterbacks watch game film on Monday morning.

Ethics and Morality
In Search of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on January 12, 2014

The crisis of modern society could very well be our younger generation who no longer feel heroic in the call-to-duty we have set up for them. Who do we turn to?

The crisis of modern society could very well be our younger generation who no longer feel heroic in the call-to-duty we have set up for them. Who do we turn to?

Fear
Finding a Phone Booth

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on November 29, 2013

Embracing a responsibility to seek out answers to suffering and injustice requires a heroic transformation. Wherever you are in life, your phone booth is waiting!

Embracing a responsibility to seek out answers to suffering and injustice requires a heroic transformation. Wherever you are in life, your phone booth is waiting!

Law and Crime
When Kids Are The Heroes

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on November 3, 2013

Predatory social dynamics place all of us into the spotlight of survivor or victim. In growing numbers today, children provide our shelter.

Predatory social dynamics place all of us into the spotlight of survivor or victim. In growing numbers today, children provide our shelter.

Career
Anti-Heroes: Is There a Goodness of Purpose?

Brian A. Kinnaird Ph.D. on September 26, 2013

"Well, when an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That's my policy."—Inspector Harry Callahan (Dirty Harry, 1971)

"Well, when an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That's my policy."—Inspector Harry Callahan (Dirty Harry, 1971)