Rocky, Rambo and Arnold Never Cry: “Help!”

In Los Angeles, a boy is failing in school and chooses not to turn in assignments that are done during class time, fearing it will be known that he has difficulty with English as a second language.

A driver is hopelessly lost on the Houston turnpike, growing older and later for a meeting, with this sinking feeling that he’s going in circles, cursing the skies, but hell-bent on finding his own way out of the jam.

Are these two types related?

In a sense, they are, because they are part of a race that will do almost anything to avoid asking for help.

For many, and especially for men, asking for directions, asking for help, feels like a sign of weakness. In our upbringing, in our genes, or both, we simply want to be independent, self-reliant, taking charge and taking credit for getting out of tough situations.

This attitude can be seen in many action heroes on the big screen. They insist on going it alone, even when help is generously offered. And just when we think there is no way they can escape their problems, miraculously, against all odds, they do.

“Rocky” fights countless title fights, Arnold finally prevails against the “Predator” and “Rambo” defeats an army of pursuers, complete with hunting knife, twine and makeshift poncho.

His catchphrases range from “Leave me alone, I can do it!” to “Get out of my way!”

And while they’re widely criticized, especially by women who think it’s normal to ask for directions when you’re lost, these independent guys may be made of the “right thing” that allows them to explore new worlds and survive mishaps like these. that paralyzed “Apollo 13”.

As with so many human traits, our greatest weaknesses in one circumstance may be our greatest strengths in another.

So, from one point of view, it’s completely silly not to ask for help, but it’s a good habit to cultivate if you’re likely to find yourself lost at sea, separated from your unit on the battlefield, or cut off on the other side. of the moon.

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