The Real Hero: Willie Bodeg A True Hero

The word “hero” Is a very contentious one. We hear of heroic actions and the people who performed them every day but every individual has a different perception of what a hero is to him or her. Movie heroes are people we see every day on our screens and in our homes. They are strong, smart, good-looking and pioneers in their field of work. However, not everyone relates to them on a personal level. Nevertheless, they are idolized for achieving heights of fame and fortune few achieve in their life.

By most accepted definitions, a hero is an individual, who is revered for their courage, determination and keen sense of justice. A true hero can be anywhere or anyone. The stereotypical image of a heroic individual, with Greek-god like proportions and stature, who champions the cause of the needy and singlehandedly destroys all opposition is very tempting but perhaps not always the way things work in the real world.

In fact, real-world heroes are often flawed individuals. They may lie, cheat and steal; qualities that are usually not associated with morally upright individuals. Some of them may even be engaged in illicit activities; they may be thieves and felons; illegal immigrants or simply homeless bums down on their luck.

Willie Bodega is just such an ‘atypical’ hero as one sees in life. Ernesto Quiñonez’ “Willie Bodega” is the story of a mob boss, told through the eyes of the narrator “Chino”. It depicts Willie Bodega as an unsavory individual. A notorious drug peddler, Bodega dreams of reincarnating the Spanish Harlem. On the surface, he is all that is wrong with society: endless run-ins with the law and unabashed drug-pushing and trafficking is how Willie Bodega makes his money. However most of that money is...

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...ce with one’s emotions”. Franklin attributes this to his attitude towards life: “her observations provided a sound basis for my attitudes and conduct from that day to this” (Franklin, 2002). When Franklin and other heroes under Segregation penned down their thoughts and deeds, a new America was born. And while we still have a way to go in building an ideal society, “in going home, we (do) not have far to walk” (Franklin, 2002).

In conclusion, a hero is not always smart, good looking and morally upright. He may be a thief, a criminal or just someone “different”. However, a true hero is courageous and stands up for his belief. He puts the greater good above himself and in doing so sacrifices whatever is required of him. A hero can be found on every street corner and in every house; people who have the courage to face their fears and fight for the greater good.