Space Cowboys: how ability defines us all

June 24, 9:19 PMDC Media ExaminerJ.Quyen Nichols

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Ability is a strange thing to define. Sure, it is the “quality or state of being able” and “skill or competence in doing”, but beyond the few chosen words which have been compiled to define this word, there are real emotions and situation which give this simple word more meaning than any collection of phrases.

Space Cowboys, a 2000 film directed by Clint Eastwood, is a film about just how far the definition of ability can be stretched. Against all odds, four over-the-hill retired test pilots made it into space and completed a very dangerous mission despite having to deal with cocky rookies and a back-stabbing NASA head who had previously disbanded them in 1958. After finally being allowed to go up into space (upon completion of a quite vigorous set of tests), they were put into a very dangerous and stressful situation in which they actually ended up saving the two rookies who were sent up with them- just in case anything were to happen.

There are some aspects of society which try to enforce a definition of ability onto us citizens. In some cases, this is a positive reinforcement of a group’s abilities; in other cases, it is the exact opposite. When society makes laws which state that an 18 year old is legally allowed to join the military but not allowed to legally consume alcohol, the enforced definition of ability comes into play. Society is saying that 18 year olds have the ability to give away their lives to the military but do not have the ability to drink state-altering liquids. This situation can be looked at in two different ways. The first is in a positive light- that it is great that society has enough faith in 18 year olds to protect our country. The second and more negative connotation- that it is unfair that society doesn’t trust 18 year olds to be responsible with alcohol even when they can go out and have themselves killed.

So where does ability come into play? First of all, ability can be looked at in both physical and mental states. In the case of our space cowboys, their ability to overcome the odds and accomplish a very dangerous and difficult mission is a result of their mental aptitude. They were much more physically weak then the young rookies and they sure had many more miles on their bodies. What really mattered, though, was their will to overcome the man who disbanded them about 40 years prior and their determination to do what people said was impossible.

This is not to say that physical ability is any less important than mental ability. In this case, however, it was mental ability that was able to overcome adversaries’ physical ability. There are amazing displays of physical ability which can be seen in every aspect of the world. But if people’s physical abilities were not paired up with overwhelming mental strength, none of the things which make people wonder at the magnificence of the human body would have actually been accomplished.

If there is ever something you come upon, a roadblock which seems almost impossible to pass, just remind yourself that your mental strength is stronger than anything. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.

Space Cowboys also shares an important lesson on keeping friends through no matter what events may be thrown your way. The four test pilots/astronauts, despite being separated for some time due to issues surrounding their betrayal by the NASA leader in 1958, remained close enough throughout the years that they stuck together through many problems in training. Without each other, they could not be themselves in the nonsense jobs they were trying to hold in order to pass the time. Keeping lifelong friends is not only important for securing your personal sense of self, but it is also important for building your mental fortitude by building the belief that there are people all around you who will believe in you no matter what happens.

In the end, at your funeral, your accomplishments are not going to be there with tears sending you off to your next destination. The faces of your friends will, though, and they will be guiding you along your path no matter what happens.