Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Defining a hero
The former Govenor of Alabama Bob Riley proclaimed, “Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the 'hero' within us is revealed.” The stereotypical image of a hero is a man running around in brightly colored tights with a cape rippling in the wind while they save the world frome evil forces. However, a more realistic image of a hero is in the acts and deeds of ordinary human beings. Some wear suits to work, and some wear protective gear. Others wear dresses, and still others are putting their spiderman lunch boxes into their Power Rangers backpacks. Similar to the fictional superheroes many look up to, these real life heroes have superpowers of their own in the form of characteristics and values. A true hero is simply a regular person who has inspirational moments and always puts the needs of others before their own. First, a hero will always do the right thing, even if they may be afraid. When difficult circumstances appear, a hero will always be able to push passed them and never give up. Lastly, being able to provide leadership to the people of their community is something a hero should be capable of. Ultimately, a a true hero does not fit the apparent image of superhero.
If there is a choice between easy and difficult, a true hero will always choose whats right, even if it costs them their life. An example of this couragous behavior is when Victoria Soto, a teacher who taught at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Conneticut, and many other faculty members tried to protect children in the school when Adam Lanza began shooting. “Victoria Soto, 27, was trying to get her students to hide in closets and cabinets when the gunman entered her classroom, which was near the location where the gunfi...
... middle of paper ...
...hange in society.
A hero is a man, women, or child who has inspirational characteristics and puts the well being of others in front of their own. A true hero will always manage to help others, even if they are scared themselves. Even through life’s barriers, a true hero is able to live their life and inspire others. A true hero will act with integerity and leadership despite the potential consequences that could follow. With everyday heroes, there is no special clothing to tell them apart. A superhero has a specific look that can be easily identified. For example, the man in blue tights with a red cape and “S” on his chest is superman. An everyday hero is wearing the same clothes as everyone else. There is no visually distinguishing trait that would allow a person to t
Works Cited
(Cassy Fiano, 5 Heroes To Remember This September 11, christianpost.com).
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.
Not all superheroes wear capes. As an example, in the novel, ‘The Hobbit’, Bilbo Baggins goes from Hobbit to Hero as the book progresses. Throughout the novel, Bilbo fends off a variety of monsters, from goblins to a killer dragon! At first, he wouldn’t even leave his little hobbit hole, but he seeked out a mass murderer’s weak point! That is amazing! How did he manage to do that? Well, he developed the characteristics of a good ol’ hero along the way, those being strong and brave, clever and intelligent, and the ability to be selfless in all of the right situations.
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.
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.
Christopher Reeve once said, “ A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” The difference between a hero and an average person is that, one will give up and the other will keep fighting. Heroes are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, they are brave when other others cower, and do not run away from the terror.
A hero is defined as a person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. A hero is strong in mind and body, courageous in spirit, and selfless where others are involved. Superman and Beowulf both exhibit these characteristics. The differences between Beowulf and Superman are as obvious as their similarities. Beowulf and Superman share some of the same characteristics.
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
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.
The difference between a superhero, as we know from movies and comics, and a traditional hero is rather unclear for many people.. In modern times, a superhero is often a being with supernatural abilities. For example, the movies depict them as individuals with super strength, night vision, the ability to climb walls, and so on. The majority of audiences have been spoiled with these unrealistic depictions and are unable to recall the real or “traditional” hero. In the texts, The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Book of Job, and Bhagavad Gita, heroes are not “as seen on television”, but something more. The heroes in these stories carry great strengths such as wisdom, patience, and pride. To illustrate these characteristics, the protagonists themselves
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.
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.
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.
Day by day, individuals are faced with challenges that lead to extremes. People confront hurdles while achieving everything they are obligated to do. Every day, ordinary people are to some extent heroes. It is normal for people to face obstacles and barriers when performing their duty of duty. But within those people, the ones that do not quit due to their frustration are the real heroes.
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.
In today’s society, heroes are needed because mankind sees them as inspirational role models. For example, firefighters, police officers, and soldiers, sacrifice themselves everyday in order to protect citizens as well as the country. Firefighters risk their lives in order to save people from burning buildings. During the terrorist attack of 9/11, Mike Kehoe scaled 93 floors to save the people that were trapped in the