DJ Daniel is Making Heroes Great Again More Boys Should Follow His Lead

Not long ago, young boys idolized men who embodied bravery, service, and resilience. Cowboys, police officers, firefighters, soldiers, and farmers were the heroes of childhood imagination. Dressing up as them wasn’t just play—it was an expression of admiration for real-world figures who carried responsibility and purpose. Boys wanted to be the people who built, protected, and provided for their communities. They aspired to be the ones who tamed frontiers, ran into burning buildings, defended their country, or worked the land to feed the nation.

But somewhere along the way, this changed. Today, boys are more likely to look up to entertainers, fictional superheroes, and social media influencers. Instead of pretending to be the local sheriff, a first responder, or a hardworking rancher, many now dream of becoming YouTubers or video game streamers. While fantasy has always played a role in childhood, there’s been a noticeable decline in admiration for figures rooted in service, duty, and leadership.

The contrast was on full display with DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor who was honored at a joint address to Congress by President Donald J. Trump. DJ, now an honorary member of the Secret Service, proudly wore his police uniform to the event. This moment was made even more powerful because, about a year prior, a viral video showed him being mocked for wearing that same uniform. Yet, despite the ridicule, he stood firm in his admiration for law enforcement and proudly wore his uniform in front of the nation.

Many of us felt immense pride in DJ—not just for his courage in battling cancer, but for his unwavering character in the face of criticism. But the fact that a boy in uniform was ever ridiculed at all speaks volumes about how far we’ve fallen as a society. Not to mention the fact that not a single Democrat stood or clapped for this brave American boy. But that’s another story, entirely.

When Did the Shift Happen?

A few key cultural moments stand out to us in timeline of the cultural shift:

• The Rise of Celebrity Culture and Social Media – As television, movies, and eventually the internet, became dominant, boys were exposed to a new kind of “hero”—one based on fame, visibility, and lifestyle rather than service or sacrifice. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have made influencers the most visible role models for many young men, often prioritizing wealth, entertainment, and self-promotion over hard work and integrity.
• Media Erosion of Trust in Authority Figures – Cowboys, soldiers, police officers, and farmers were once seen as pillars of strength and protection. Over time, sensationalized and misleading media narratives became the norm. Negative portrayals in news and entertainment have led to skepticism about these roles, making them less aspirational. Instead of viewing these figures as courageous and honorable, boys are increasingly taught to see them as outdated or problematic.
• The Shift from Local to Digital Role Models – A boy in the 1950s might have looked up to his father, his grandfather, a local firefighter, or a farmer in his community. Today, thanks to digital media, boys are more likely to admire people thousands of miles away who they’ll never meet—celebrities, athletes, and internet personalities. The men they once saw working hard every day in their town have been replaced by distant, often unattainable, figures.
• Changing Views on Heroism and Masculinity – Traditional symbols of strength and provision—cowboys, soldiers, police officers, and farmers—are now often viewed through a modern political and social lens. The rugged individualism and leadership once admired are now criticized, dismissed, and labeled toxic. Boys who once aspired to protect, build, and provide are now more likely to be told these roles are no longer necessary. Or worse, should be looked down on.

What This Means for the Next Generation

This shift raises important questions: Who are our boys looking up to? If they no longer admire the men who serve, build, and lead and protect communities, what kind of men will they become?

This isn’t to say boys today lack ambition or admiration for real-world heroes—some still dream of being doctors, astronauts, or scientists. But there is a noticeable decline in the cultural celebration of men who work the land, run into danger, and put their lives on the line for others.

So how do we bring back admiration for real-life heroes? It starts with the stories we tell. If we want our boys to grow up valuing strength, honor, and service, we have to make sure they still see those virtues as worth emulating and valuable to a stable and happy society.

DJ Daniel should be a hero to us all. A boy in uniform, who fought for his life against brain cancer and proudly stood for something greater than himself, was mocked instead of celebrated. Yet he still wore that uniform to a moment of national recognition. That’s the kind of courage and conviction we should be lifting up for the next generation.