Ever thought about what heroism truly means? A word that is frequently used but used in the wrong way? Physicality? Intelligence? Does it mean something so obvious that many don’t see? Does a heroes always have to be superheroes? What do heroes do? Well the answer to most of this, is no, heroes don’t have to be superheroes or strong or smart. Ever gazed of while watching a heroic movie about a superhero who was indestructible and could fly? Why are there none of these heroes in the world? Well there are not any of these indestructible heroes. However, the world has heroes. Heroes save people, not always by falling 2000 feet from the top of a huge building to catch an innocent man although heroes do save people by using special powers. Nobody …show more content…
A perfect example of being a wealthy showoff, nevertheless, being selfish, is Ironman. Ironman is very smart and successful. One may think he is a hero because he saves lives. This is true; one is not wrong for thinking this however, Ironman saves himself first. He is a man who built a suit that can fly him around so he can save people. He proves his stubborn attitude in his third movie when he said "Jarvis! Where are my flight power?" He is complaining to his robot that his flight powers are not working. Ironman has a plethora of money, but what does he use that money for. Is he like Warren Buffett? Did he donate most of his money to charity? Did he live in an average house? No, he did not. Therefor Ironman is nothing like Warren Buffett, his description, does not define heroism. Another person just like Ironman is Thor, he is a very self-centered person, Thor does save lives, and again one is not wrong for believing that Thor is a hero. Thor proves that he is a selfish person when he said, “Fortunately, I am the mighty Thor!” He self-promotes by saying that he is the mighty. It leaves an emblem that Thor is not a hero. Heroes should stay low when they are ranked high, heroes also help others not save them self. Thor does not walk low when he is ranked high neither does he save others before himself. Being a hero does not mean …show more content…
Heroes are always ready to help the world; heroes make the world a better place. One may be a hero without realization, that one person may help a homeless man. Heroes go around looking for trouble to fix or any other problems. Ina Koenig, a 37-year-old teacher and Welles Crowther, a 24-year-old office worker. Are two brave selfless and humble people. Ina Koenig jumped into a mine that was over 70 feet deep to save a 3 year old who had fall in. She dove in straight after the child, she did not care about her, and all she cared about was the child who could have died. Ina knew that if she did not make it out alive, it was to save another life, but Ina made it out alive, with the child. One may think the child would survive without Ina however; the water at the bottom was too cold for a human body additionally a 3-year-old would not know how to swim. Ina was a hero to many but herself, Ina, after being the hero that she is, said, "I am not a hero. I did what any human being would do." Imagine jumping 75 feet down into a mine, knowing the chances of returning to the surface are minimal. The act of Ina was not normal. Ina was selfless, she did not think about herself. She was humble; Ina thought her act was casual. Ina is a true hero. Welles Crowther, otherwise known as the man with the red bandanna, went into the collapsing twin towers saving more
Although not every hero shouts “Avengers Assemble” before a worthy deed, heroism is shown in all aspects of the everyday world. Webster Dictionary has exactly 5 definitions under the word hero and still no two people explain heroism the same. Superman and Captain America are a glimpse of the fictional characters society titles a hero. Firefighters and Military portray heroism each day in the lives of every civilian. As Sullivan and Venter stated “individuals are referred to as ‘heroes’ for seemingly different reasons” and even through endless studies the adjectives referring heroes is ever changing. Among the various ideas of what it means to be a hero, boldness and valiance capture the essence of heroism.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Being a hero doesn’t mean your invincible. It just means you’re brave enough to stand up and do what’s needed. In the historical fiction novel, “Crispin: The Cross of Lead” by Avi, 13 year old Crispin who is now an orphan after the death of his mother is forced to flee his village after being accused of stealing and is to be killed. He comes across a man who helps him along his quest and faces many overwhelming challenges. Its not until he made the decision to risk his own life to benefit the life of another that he then shows an act of true heroism.
Who is a hero? In contemporary times, usage of the term has become somewhat of a cliché. Over the years, the term “hero” has become representative of a wide variety of individuals, each possessing differing traits. Some of the answers put forth by my colleagues (during our in-class discussion on heroism) as to whom they consider heroes pointed to celebrities, athletes, teachers and family members. Although the occupations differed, each of their heroes bore qualities that my classmates perceived as extraordinary, whether morally or physically. Nonetheless, Webster’s defines “hero” as “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” Thus, it is worth considering that individuals become heroes relative to the situation with which they’re faced.
A brave hero often risks his/her lives to save someone else. In Zeitoun, Dave Eggers tells us a story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, the hard working Syrian American owner of a contracting company in New Orleans. Zeitoun and his wife Kathy ran the company together. They have three children named Nademah, Safiyah, Aisha. Kathy has a child from her first marriage. Zeitoun is very closed with his family and he takes his family like nobody else. When hurricane Katrina landed in 2005, endless number of people were affected. Mayor Nagin ordered a first time ever mandatory evacuation. Kathy moved with the children to her sister’s house in Baton Rouge. Zeitoun refused to leave with his family because he didn’t want lose his properties, but at the same time, his customers trusted him and gave him their house keys to check on their houses, which caused his separation with his family. This illustrates that Zeitoun is a responsible, powerful, trustworthy, and unselfish person. During the hurricane, Zeitoun was using a canoe rescuing people. Due to the lack of rescue work, many people didn’t get enough supports at that time. Zeitoun had the courage to sacrifice his family, safety, and selfish needs for saving the people.
An English proverb states, “ A hero is a man who is afraid to run away”. I agree with this proverb, because when you see a hero in a comic book, they have super cool back stories, are not afraid to fight, and stare danger in the face and not blink. They are not afraid of anything. That’s nice to look up to, but they are not real. Our definition of a hero is too much for one man to become, you can do something honorable, heroic, but you will never actually be a hero because it's too much, in real life. Heroes don’t just do it so they can get paid, or respect. What really determines whether someone is a hero is if they choose to do something about it in a bad situation. We have people that do heroic acts, for example, people putting their lives before others. Those people cannot be heroes because they get paid to do it, they are, firefighters, cops, and military, they get paid to help people, so they aren't considered a hero.
When we hear of heroes we automatically reminiscing back on our childhood, and the many figures that represent heroes in our lives. In an imaginary world when we think of “heroes” or “gentlemen”, we stereotypically constitute characters such as superman, batman and Spiderman. Some even envision a knight and shining armor riding into the sunset or walking through fire to save them. It is astonishing to think that whenever life gets tough we can create an illusion of another world. Fortunately, in the real world, heroes come in all shapes and sizes. We have heroes in everyday life, whether they do the simplest thing or the most magnificent thing. In the essay “The power of context” by Malcolm Gladwell, he presents the story of Bernhard Goetz, a man who was tormented by the fear of crimes in New York City where he lived. Goetz eventually snapped and shot four delinquents on a train. At that time Goetz was considered a hero for eliminating some of the neighborhood’s problems. But later when crime decreases, Goetz was called a criminal for his actions. Similarly, in the “Naked Citadel” by Susan Faludi, she also presents the heroine actions of Shannon Faulkner, a young girl who challenged the citadel’s one hundred and fifty year old all male policy. To some Goetz and Faulkner are heroes but to others they might be perceived as other wise. Heroes are the people who are making a difference in everyway they can, no matter how big or small. We need heroes in every aspect of our lives; whether we need to be saved from a big dilemma or a shoulder to cry on, a hero is someone who is always there. A hero is needed most when everyone else is afraid to stand for justice, but there is one brave person who is willing to. We need heroes first and fo...
Helping others is an essential and main part of being a true hero. Even the smallest selfless act can make one a hero in another’s eyes. Heroes are discovered in every way possible, from pop culture to social interaction to the pages of a poem – just not this one.
Recently, students of Olympian High School have stumbled upon the question, "What is a hero?" In the school's 2013 Young Minds Essay Contest, students are expected to consider universal concerns and ideas. Many times when people think of a hero, they think of Superman, Batman, and many other Marvel characters who display unattainable superpowers. However, heroes are prevalent throughout the world. A hero can be anyone who has the desire to help others, brave in dangerous situations, and does not look at exterior gain from helping others.
Weber, Ann. "WHAT MAKES A HERO? Ordinary People Put Their Lives on the Line to Help Others." The Blade [Toledo] 19 Apr. 2009, City Final ed., Toledo Magazine sec. Academic Search Premier. Web. 29 Oct. 2010.
The word "hero" is so often used to describe people who overcome great difficulties and rise to the challenge that is set before them without even considering the overwhelming odds they are up against. In our culture, heroes are glorified in literature and in the media in various shapes and forms. However, I believe that many of the greatest heroes in our society never receive the credit that they deserve, much less fame or publicity. I believe that a hero is simply someone who stands up for what he/she believes in. A person does not have to rush into a burning building and save someone's life to be a hero. Someone who is a true friend can be a hero. A hero is someone who makes a difference in the lives of others simply by his/her presence. In Tim O'Brien's novel, The Things They Carried, the true heroes stand out in my mind as those who were true friends and fought for what they believed in. These men and women faced the atrocities of war on a daily basis, as explained by critic David R. Jarraway's essay, "'Excremental Assault' in Tim O'Brien: Trauma and Recovery in Vietnam War Literature" and by Vietnam Veteran Jim Carter. Yet these characters became heroes not by going to drastic measures to do something that would draw attention to themselves, but by being true to their own beliefs and by making a difference to the people around them.
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” - Christopher Reeve. Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald argues that heroes are usually unseen and modest and they do not ask for congratulations or favors in return for their heroic actions. The word hero has a positive connotative meaning. A hero is someone that helps people during times of need. Under any circumstance a hero is courageous and selfless. Americans have been molded to interoperate the word hero as Hollywood has wanted them to. Ever since Marvel and DC have started producing comic books and movies the word hero has had an arrogant ring to it. Some superheros such as spiderman, superman and batman are down to earth
What makes someone a hero? A hero isn’t a celebrity or someone who can fly, have super speed, or shoot lasers out of their eyes. A hero is just an ordinary citizen that fights to solve a widespread issue in today’s society. A hero is an ordinary individual who rises to the occasion and fights the issues with superhero behavior, without the actual super powers. A hero is someone just similar to everyone else, but when they see a problem they have the bravery to step up and fix it without thinking twice. In the United States, a hero is someone whose character and qualities inspire others to live in life with fulfillment and compassion.
Unlike Joseph Campbell, Joseph Loeb and Tom Morris describe heroism as individuals who rise above the universal and altogether concern for the self and rather focus on the needs of others, serving the greater good and being selfless. (11). What made this definition superb compared to Joseph Campbell’s it that is breaks down the stereotypical hero and gives perspective to the everyday heroes. As stated in their work, “what’s so heroic about stopping an armed robbery if your skin is bulletproof and your strength is irresistible by an ordinary, or even extraordinary, street thug? (12). Yes, superhero’s have vulnerabilities within their character, but characters of all genres display tremendous acts of heroism, often overlooked to be considered heroic.
A hero is a person who cedes to benefit others. Through many complications that were faced they stood up with the greatest bravery. Welles Crowther is a great example of a hero who sought to help the other people in the World Trade Center during 9/11. Though he could’ve saved himself he tried to save others. Though he lost his life he inspired others to help others in need. Ling Young says,”He said,”I’m going back up again.” Cause he knows that there were a lot of people still up there on the 78th floor that needed help (“The Man in the Red Bandana”). Though he could have saved
There is another type of hero that almost no one is aware of. In the poorest areas of the country, live mostly minorities and other ethic background. All their lives they’ve been expected to work harder and expected not succeed in life. Some individuals living in poverty with a determination to succeed work hard all of their lives to become what everybody doubted they could. Escaping the crime, drugs, and prostitution is enough to escape hell, even if they don’t go to college. Despite of their financial problems, drug and crime surroundings, or difficulties in the language skills, their desire to triumph fuels their persistence. Those who make it to success are the few living examples of the purest form of hero anyone can be. They are not only their own heroes but also the heroes of the poor children who dream of becoming like them someday.