On Gifts and Heroes

The language of gratitude and of heroism, pervasive in public discourse about essential workers, is well-intended but belies a problematic blurring of the difference between gifts, contracts, and professionalism. “Heroism,” a term frequently invoked by society, usually describes the giving of oneself beyond reasonable boundaries. This noble concept affirms our essential connections to each other. However, labeling someone’s labor as a gift can make givers feel obligated exceed both contracts and professionalism. Contracts define the boundaries of expected work for expected compensation. Like heroism, professionalism in healthcare implies undertaking duties to others beyond the contractual. Careless use of these words, however, can lead to negative consequences. Gifts and heroism are best applied to special needs in special circumstances. Professionalism goes beyond special circumstances to address ongoing commitments to others. When the language of gifts, heroism, or professionalism are used to promote the ongoing performance of dangerous, excessive work, however, they become instruments of injustice and burnout. The experiences of the COVID pandemic can help identify the proper scope of gift-giving, heroism and professionalism - which cement our social bonds – while avoiding misuses of these terms, in order to improve the safety and fairness of the work environment.