PR posturing and real acts of courage aren’t always the same thing. Just because something is public doesn’t mean it’s brave. Just because it’s praised doesn’t mean it’s costly. Before we hand out applause, let’s remember that courage often happens off-camera, under pressure, and without reward. Real courage isn’t curated. Courage is when a good cop reports misconduct by a bad one, knowing it might end their career. Courage is when a senator turns down dark money and refuses backroom deals, even if it means standing alone. Courage is when a government staffer risks their future to preserve documentation of crimes against the public. Courage is when a journalist publishes uncovered truths independently because their editors tried to bury the story. Courage is when an activist collaborates with law enforcement to bring an abuser to justice, despite the distrust between them. Courage is when a faith leader publicly rejects the teachings of their institution to stand with the oppressed, knowing they’ll be cast out. Courage is when a lifelong political insider exposes their own party’s misconduct, fully aware it will destroy their career and personal relationships. Courage is when a parent puts time with their children and family ahead of their work life. Courage is when a protest organizer de-escalates a riot to protect lives, even when their peers call them a traitor. Courage is when a community leader admits they were wrong and invites those they once demonized to help rebuild. Courage is when a soldier crosses the lines of propaganda to protect civilians on both sides of a conflict. Courage is sitting with the evidence, reviewing the documentation, listening to the person behind it, and choosing not to look away even if it would make your life easier.