The Similarities of Earth’s Heroes “...acts of heroism don’t just arrive from truly exceptional people but from people placed in the right circumstance, given the necessary tools to transform compassion into heroic action.” From his speech on modern heroism, renowned psychologist Philip Zimbardo suggests that anyone can be a hero if placed in the right situation. Essentially, his experience in the field of psychology helped him discover that heroism occurs only in the right situations. Additionally, he discusses the idea of “modern heroism”; that if one places themselves into the right situations, then they too can become a hero. A modern hero can be any ordinary person, but the majority of those people possess unique qualities that call them to serve their communities. Good examples of heroes are the people highlighted in the CNN Heroes program such as Aaron Valencia and Linda Myers. Like the theoretical hero that Zimbardo describes, they are …show more content…
Specifically, modern day heroes are people who see a problem or someone in need and commit themselves to helping the situation or person. To illustrate, renowned psychologist Philip Zimbardo once gave a speech that defined heroes as “...people placed in the right circumstance, given the necessary tools to transform compassion into heroic action.” For instance, compassionate heroes seize the chance to help out vulnerable people or groups of people because they are kind. Likewise, generous heroes use their resources to help people that are not as fortunate or benevolent as they are. Both types of hero are the personality traits that are essential to the development of a modern day hero. In the same way, the qualities of a hero are important to examine because they assist the helpless and the poor. If we can identify what makes a hero, then we can help to develop people who will improve our society as a
Heroes put others before themselves and will do anything to ensure that thing’s safety. Many people have either risked their lives or have loss their lives due to trying to save others. An example of this would be the man in the red bandana or Welles Crowther. Crowther was working in the twin towers as planes were crashing into them. Crowther could have ran away from the other people when the planes hit, but he chose not to spare himself, but to save others and sacrifice his own life.
There are many traits that heroes can demonstrate in stories. The two stories The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell both have heros in them. Connell’s story portrays a hero named Rainsford, who crosses a mysterious island where humans are hunted for fun, and he himself has to run for his life. Twain’s book follows a young boy named Huck, who has run away from his father, and his older friend Jim, who is a runaway slave. Jim is more of a hero because he is more self-sacrificing, unafraid of negative consequences, and more determined.
When asked to describe a hero, Mickey Mantle, famous baseball player for the New York Yankees, Said “Heroes are people who are all good with no bad in them” This quote shows that a hero is someone who always does the right thing and has good intentions. What a hero should look like now is someone who is loyal and brave. In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus proves that he is a hero when he went to save his men on “Circe’s Island.” and defeated the cyclops in “The Cave of the Cyclops.”
The definition of heroism changes with the context, time, and point of view. The archetype of heroism is defined as someone who is strong, intelligent, brave, and daring. A hero usually has some type of supernatural power that helps them combat a malicious villain or force. Heroes of the past are not essentially heroes of the present, and vice versa. Upon closer and more personal consideration, many more qualities of what makes a hero become evident.
There are many characteristics that make up a hero. For instance, many hero’s are known to be very brave, courageous and motivated people. Many people have different ideas of what they think a hero is, but no who idea’s are ever alike. Some people when they get asked “What is a hero?” they
A question often addressed in literature, media, and art, as well as by people themselves. The typical idea of “heroism” tends to bring to mind an image of a superhero or someone who saves many lives, but does being heroic always involve having superpowers or putting yourself in danger to save others? Exploring what makes someone a “hero” in others’ eyes could just mean looking at people who do things that no one else would think or care to. Evaluating what defines a hero in the most basic sense can help to show what being a hero actually
Heros’ come in many shapes and forms. Tall, short, small, big, anyone can be a hero, they just have to put in the effort. Though anyone can be a good hero, a great hero is somebody who inspires others, makes a difference, and is selfless. First and foremost, a great hero must be someone who inspires others. Ida B. Wells is an example of a true hero.
When one hears the word hero he or she would most likely think of the fictional, comic book superheroes. However, heroes are not limited to just comic books and actually do exist in real life. They may not have laser-vision or shape-shifting abilities; but instead they possess valuable assets that label them as both inspirational and influential. Yet, overall, there is no clear-cut definition of a hero and, the definition varies for each individual. In actuality, heroes come in countless forms and generally speaking, have a positive impact in either one or numerous lives, and, A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines, demonstrates how everyone has the opportunity to be a hero.
Heroes in our society are revered and respected as Joseph Campbell reminds us: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes exist in all societies and throughout history. Maybe they are not always on the news or from the movies, but their words and their actions never fail to resonate across their feats. A hero gives of himself and dedicates himself to causes which better others and their society unlike individuals who are self serving, greedy, and cruel.
As humans, we tend to idolize people from all over the world for their remarkable qualities, bravery, actions, skills, leadership or ways of life. These people are often referred to as heroes, whether it is a leader, Superman, or a local community hero, they all share something in common, and it’s not a cape. What makes each of these people heroes? Their extraordinary character traits set them apart from their less noteworthy peers. While there is a myriad of traits that heroes possess, the most significant ones are their bravery, their willingness to ask for help, and their strength to always do what is honorable.
However, heroism can take place in our everyday lives by simple brave actions. A hero has many noble qualities such as courage, humility, patience, being selfless and caring. They will put other people before themselves and make sure others are content. Heros are also intelligent and like to think ahead to plan on a good result.
In The Odyssey an epic poem by Homer, Odysseus, a hero from Ithaca, is trapped on his way home from Athens and Troy. His son, Telemachus, goes on a journey looking for his lost father. Both son and father want to reclaim their house from the suitors who wish to marry Penelope, Odysseus’ wife. Genghis Khan, Choi Yuna, my brother, An Thai, and Odysseus have traits like strength, thoughtfulness, and attractiveness. People need heroes with these traits because they need role models and someone to guide them through life.
Everybody has the opportunity to be a hero, but does everyone take it? A hero is someone who is respectful and willing to put their safety in harms way in order to keep others safe. In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Ponyboy, a 14 year-old Greaser is a hero who is concerned about the well-being of people around him, and of people he might not even know. Johnny, the Outsiders Gang’s pet, is also a hero. Dally who is a hardened teenager in the Outsiders Gang is not a hero because he does not realize that there are more important things in life other than looking cool.
Scott LaBarge’s essay “Heroes: Why Heroes are Important” is well written because he effectively uses pathos, logos, and karios when explaining heroes to his audience. When something goes wrong or we feel like we cannot continue, we could all use someone to step in and change our situation. Everyone needs a hero. LaBarge gives an excellent example from his high school days; Thoreau inspired him and became his hero. The high school period of one’s life is a difficult period.
“If you can tell me who your heroes are, I can tell you how you are going to turn out. It is really important to have the right heroes.” – Warren Buffet. Many people are looking for heroes in wrong places, and misunderstanding the term hero itself. Strength, bravery, courage, and honesty are the things most people think when the name hero pops.