Clint Eastwood: PC Society Has Led to Overuse of 'Hero'

The word "hero" is overused because of a politically correct society, actor and director Clint Eastwood said in a new interview.

Eastwood directed a movie about now-retired airline pilot Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, who safely landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River in 2009.  The Hollywood icon spoke to The Mirror about the film and talked specifically about heroism.

"It's certainly different to when I grew up," Eastwood said. "It's all in this sort of politically correct thing where everyone has to win a prize. All the little boys in the class have to go home with a first-place trophy.

"The use of the word 'hero' is a little bit overdone but I don't think so in Sully's case. He went extra and beyond what was expected."

Sullenberger's quick thinking saved all 100 people on board, including himself, after US Airways Flight 1549 struck birds shortly after departing from LaGuardia Airport. Both engines were disabled and Sullenberger had no choice but to land in the Hudson River.

Eastwood supported Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton for president.

Actor Tom Hanks plays Sullenberger in the film and had this to say about the word hero: "The textbook definition of a hero is someone who voluntarily puts themselves in harm's way for the betterment of others.

"That happens on occasion and it is a ridiculously overused word because it's a shorthand for accomplishment. Not all accomplishments are heroic accomplishments. … Heroism is rare as lightning storms."

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