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Growing up as a child in America I did not have a hero. Although I was exposed through my own reading and television to many revered and “famous” people, I never aspired to be like any particular individual. I looked at people’s accomplishments and achievements, as remarkable as they might have been, as normal. I saw their feats as something that I myself can achieve if I made an effort. I remember my friend, Ben, always talking about Charles Barkley, a legendary basketball player. He would follow his every move on and off the court. All you had to do was walk into his room to and you would be able to tell the deep love he had for his hero. His wall was plastered with posters of Barkley and his desk was full of Barkley action figures. He even collected the ticket stubs of all the games that he went to in which Barkley played. This deep love and admiration for a human being was something that I did not relate to.
In retrospect, I’m happy that I did not have a hero. Adults blame the fact that children do not have a hero in part on the political leaders, professional sports players and other famous figures who prove to be disappointing role models, and in part on society for instilling in the younger generation with a lack of respect and admiration, a general tendency towards apathy. I did not have a hero because I felt that the heroes that my peers had were not individuals I could look up to. My parents stressed to me the importance of learning from those who do great deeds to...
Humanity has created this “universal story” of what a hero is, or at least the myth of it, time and again. Different tasks and encounters with a variety of villains all lead the hero to the prize, to a new life (Seger). This person deemed the hero is as ordinary as the next but what makes them different is the drastic test that they must face. Individuals admire this character because the hero stands for something, something bigger than themselves. Whether it be the compassionate act of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games or the death of the oldest brother in Brother Bear, as an outsider, an individual sees the human side of these heroes and relates. Connor Lassiter from Unwind by Neal Shusterman is an ideal example of the myth due to the
Every generation has its own heroes that display, what they believe to be, ideal characteristics. While each is different in their own way, many of these role models share similar qualities. Most tend to have courage, strength, compassion, or another respected trait, but this is not necessarily why they win the adoration of their followers.
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.
Through reading about these heroes, kids believe that there are good things that happen to good people. These heroes encourage many kids when they’re young, and provide them with right and wrong. For example, many fairy tales and comic stories show kids the kinds of behaviors that need in order to succeed in life, to improve society, and to overcome hard times. They become their example of healthy adult role models who through hard times and many contractions they were able to react positively and overcome hard times. Heroes prove to them that no matter how much suffering and hardships in the world, there are good people, who always do the right thing and provide us with hope in hard times. Heroes do provide courage for us to overcome emotionally, physically, or spiritually
If you watch modern movies you will find that these times it is quite easier to be a hero than it was fifty years ago. The world gives us multiple opportunities to proves ourselves and give us the self-satisfaction of being able to say you are a hero. But what is a hero? Grant says, “A hero is someone who does something for other people. He does something that other men don’t and can’t do. He is different from other men. He is above other men. No matter who those other men are, the hero, no matter who he is, is above them.” (193) Obviously Grant matches his own description of a hero. He proved himself a hero by counseling Jefferson while being a teacher with “more than enough” problems of his own.
Loewen defines heroification as “a degenerative process (much like calcification) that makes people over into heroes” (Loewen 11). During this process, negative or controversial facts are often ignored or altered in regards to these heroes, which create “perfect creatures without conflicts, pain, credibility, or human interest (Loewen 11). When one changes or omits facts concerning figures in history for this type of glorification, we are left with an invented story of the event or person; in other words, history has become a myth. History textbooks are filled with these types of glorifications, especially older texts. The purpose of heroification is to present events or people in a favorable light and to give ideal role models in which to follow. In my own words, I call Loewen’s heroification an effective form of brainwashing. For example, I was always taught that the Civil War was fought to free slaves, but later learned this war was about states succeeding from the Union. Many people still believe the Emancipation Proclamation’s purpose was to free the slaves; however, it was actually the last resort Lincoln used to win the Civil War. Of course, this is not how these events were portrayed to most of us in History class. Heroification alters the purpose of these events so that we, as citizens, can feel proud that America did away with slavery because our forefathers felt it was morally wrong. Loewen also points out how heroification can lead to role models in the case of Helen Keller, “the blind and deaf girl who overcame her physical handicaps, as an inspiration to generations of schoolchildren” (Loewen 12). The problem with Keller being used as an exemplary model for American schoolchildren is that only her early life is portr...
Heroes are found everywhere in the world. They are seen in movies, on television, in books, and in reality. A hero can be anyone, from a friend to a fictional character. To be considered a hero, one must make selfless sacrifices, develop and learn, overcome challenges and temptations, and ultimately present their known world with a gift of any kind. Homer’s
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.
Who is your hero? Many of us can clearly picture our idea of our personal hero in our head, but is the person you consider to be a hero really a hero by definition? In Heroism: Why Heroes are Important, Scott LaBarge, a Classics and Philosophy Professor at Santa Clara University, awakens your thoughts on the word heroism and how it has changed since its origins in ancient Greece. Throughout his essay, he goes in depth into the term ‘hero’ and compares it to society’s take on heroes today. Although LaBarge uses examples to back up his stance that “Today, it is much harder to detach the concept of heroism from morality (LaBarge. 1),” his essay contains flaws and he contradicts his own words.
There is an ever growing dispute in society where some people view others as heroes either when they physically put themselves in danger to defend a cause or to safeguard others, or when they say what they are thinking out loud when others are not brave enough to do so. The recognition of a hero should go to those who are able to stand up for others against the oppressors or conflicts in society by voicing their opinion and by stating the opinions of the people who do not have the courage to do so. However, some may believe that heroes are those who seek danger to protect others or a cause, an example being a firefighter or cop who goes into work every day to protect the people in society, even though they know their lives are in stake. The articles, "Inspired by a hero: What Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life means to me" by La Prensa, "Profiles in Greatness - Gandhi" by Success, and "Nelson Mandela, hero to the world" by New Pittsburgh Courier, support the claim that heroes are those who are the voice for the voiceless. There has been many people in history who have put their lives at stake due to their courage to stand up for others, an example being Martin Luther King, Jr.
A person can be a hero for saving the life of one or of millions. Heroes are not only real people, but they are also fantasy figures. Children are extremely interested with legendary and fantasy figures because they take on such tasks as: difficult journeys, challenges with dragons, discovering lost treasure, and changing the nature of the world through their singular acts of courage and selflessness. They also endure much resistance, hardship, and danger. Often the hero learns valuable lessons about survival and self-reliance. Not only do heroes teach valuable lessons they give a child a sense of belonging. To a child, a hero is an invincible person who will change the world.
Heroes can be can be anyone; they can be everywhere. But every society needs heroes (The Making of a Hero). Surprisingly every society has one; we just don't see them because we don't bother to open our eyes. But if you open them you shall see, they can be anyone, and that's why you must look carefully.
Batman, Superman, and Ironman are prominent superheroes in the media who are primarily admired by innocent boy and girls. These fictional characters fight injustice with bravery and selflessness, providing a false image of real heroes to children. How many of these idolized figures are still thought of in the same way after 10 or 15 years? While these fake perceptions of heroes sustain an income for our entertainment industry, everyone should be praising those who truly sacrificed for the benefit of the community. The real heroes are often neglected as we obsess over these imaginary characters. Although the media often recognizes a hero as a flamboyantly dressed man in some suit with a logo, the true heroes are the altruistic and motivational people who overcome personal desires, accept the challenge, and dedicate their life for the welfare of others by overcoming the difficulties of the challenge.
The closest animal shelter is in Eden NC. People do not need to waste gas money to go that far when we can have one in Madison. It would be a more convenient way for people to build the community stronger and to bring pets that are in need. If people would care just about aninals as much as they do with recycling in this world, people could put a stop to pet overpopulation. Over 8 million dogs and cats are killed each year in county shelters and humane societies. These unwanted pets are a result of irresponsible pet owners that allow their pets to breed and run free creating the problem of pet overpopulation. Many of these lost animals may end up on the laboratory table. Millions more lose their lives from starvation, disease, moving vehicles, and owner abuse. Puppies sold in pet shops are raised in "puppy mills," breeding kennels that house the dogs in cramped and filthy conditions. Females are bred until their bodies give out and then they are killed. All of these deaths are preventable.- ("The Causes of Pet Overpopulation"). This is a problem that comes from the owner when they let their pet run wild, which is causing pet overpopulation to increase. The only way that you are going to prevent this overpopulation is if we get these pets neutered to stop the prevention- ("Pet Overpopulation"). The American Humane Association encourages the veterinary profession to assist, whenever and however possible, in reducing the number of unwanted pets. This involvement includes supporting the neutering of cats and dogs adopted from public or private animal care and control facilities – thereby controlling the ongoing contribution of offspring to pet overpopulation- ("Pet
The Lone Ranger, Zorro, Batman, Superman are some of the characters that we stereotypically constitute as heroes. They are known to fight with courage without fear of death. They destroy the enemy within a blink of an eye. They fight using their own body strength, superpower, or some kind of weapon. They come to the rescue miraculously and leave without a trace. They are mysterious. We are unable to identify who they are underneath the masks and disguises. Yet, we praise them and ignore the real heroes that surround us regularly, ordinarily. “All of us …like to believe that in a moral emergency we will behave like the heroes of our youth, bravely and forthrightly, without thought of personal loss or discredit” (O’Brien 39). In other words, we are quite oblivious to the ordinary people of the world that are, in fact, the true heroes.