Harvey Milk: A Great American Hero

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When we think about the great heroes of American history, those who caused great change are usually the first to come to mind. The great American heros are those who fight for change, even if it’s against social norms, to change the lives of people for the better. Heros are those who inspires others and puts others before themselves. Heros do not allow success to change them and never stops working for their goals. They do not allow other people, fear, or failure to stop nor slow them down. And in some cases, a hero will make the ultimate sacrifice for what they believe is right. The greatest heroes in American history remain to live on in the memories and the thoughts of the people whose lives were forever changed by these people and the impact they had on our nation. Although he was faced with the hardships of the financial crisis of 1930’s and a failing boxing career, James. J Braddock exhibits the defining characteristics of a hero by making sacrifices for his family, doing the right thing, fighting through pain and failure, and risking his reputation for the sake of his family. The movie “Cinderella Man” follows the fall and rise of James J. Braddock, a husband, father, and once great boxer. Like for many others, the Great Depression hit Braddock and his family hard. After a few disappointing defeats and a broken hand, Braddock’s career was over. He had no stable job, yet that never stopped him from going to the docks every day in hopes of being chosen to work. He worked through the pain of a broken hand because he needed to provide for his family. Braddock refused to give up on his family, even going as far as skipping meals to make sure his children had enough to eat. He also refused to give up his morals. His family ... ... middle of paper ... ...pired the boom of the gay rights movement and that movement has done nothing but gain more and more momentum and support over the years since he has died. He continues to inspire people to this day; gay and straight. I hope to to apply the heroic characteristics of Harvey Milk to my life every day. I want to be brave and unafraid to stand up against injustice. I want to be unafraid to be who I am. I want to inspire others and give them hope for a better life where all citizens are equal. Harvey Milk payed the ultimate sacrifice because he refused to be scared. He refused to stay in the closet. Harvey Milk was outspoken and refused to let society treat him and other gay citizens as if they weren’t human. He strived to be a source of inspiration and hope and to make a lasting impact. Harvey Milk was a great American hero in 1977 and is a great American hero today.

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