Jackie Robinson A Hero Essay

American actor Christopher Reeve once quoted, "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles" (Brainy Quote). Not only did he play a hero as Superman, he truly became one in his personal life. After becoming a quadriplegic Reeve became a spokesperson for people with spinal cord injuries. A hero is a person one admires because of the qualities and selfless actions they exemplify to overcome adversity and inspire others. Heroism is apparent in literature, history, and in our own life. In Suzanne Collins book The Hunger Games, the heroic character of Katniss Everdeen is an example of strength and perseverance against death. Baseball legend Jackie Robinson became a hero when

"Jackie Roosevelt Robinson was ambitious, determined, and fearless on his journey to break through the prevailing race barriers of his time" (Krase). Born to sharecroppers in Georgia in 1919, Jackie grew up very poor and fatherless. After moving to California to pursue a better life, Jackie eventually attended UCLA where he became to first to letter in four sports. During his time in the army, Jackie remained determined to courageously stand up for civil rights. He endured obstacles of discrimination when laughed at for playing sports and when threatened with court-martial for not moving to the back of the bus. After his military duty, Jackie went on to play in the Negro American Baseball League and was later drafted to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. "When Jackie first donned a Brooklyn Dodger uniform, he pioneered the integration of professional athletics in America. By breaking the color barrier in baseball, the nation's preeminent sport, he courageously challenged the deeply rooted custom of racial segregation in both the North and the South"( ). Despite his talent, number forty-two continued to face racial tension from fans and players. However, Jackie defied the odds and never gave up on his willingness to be different. He achieved his goal to play in the major leagues, excelled at his game, and soon became accepted by all. Jackie Robinson became the historical hero who faced the unknown with perseverance and overcame adversity to become baseball's civil rights legend. In comparison, Odysseus was also on a journey of the unknown. He too faced a lot of violence for years and could have given up at any time. Overcoming the dangers of the sea when his ship wrecked eventually helped him achieve his ultimate goal of getting back to Ithaca. After killing the suitors, peace was restored on the island with the help of the gods