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.
What makes someone a hero? Most people would say someone who saves the day or has super powers or even characters in books are heroes. Antigone is a young woman in the play Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone is considered a hero by many for giving up her life for her brother and going against the law in 44 B.C. While Terry Malloy is considered a hero in the movie On the Waterfront for also going against rules. Malloy would be considered a rough kid who got into a bad situation with a group of mugs while working on the dock, not only does he save the day for himself but for others that are working on the docks as well. Antigone and Terry both go against rules for what they believe is right and become heroes.
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
Superhero is defined as, “a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers, such as Superman”. With the exception of fictional characters, there is no one in our society with superhuman powers. In everyday life when humans think of a superhero, the immediate thought that comes to mind are these made up abilities. Despite this cliche image seen in movies or read in comics, superheroes in this world usually do not have those superhuman abilities. Versions of a superhero in reality is an individual who strives to be exceptional and lead others into being the best person possible.
Throughout time, the meaning of the word “hero” has changed throughout the world. Everyone has their own perspective of what qualities and characteristics “heroes” should have. In today’s modern world, we hear the word “hero” used constantly in tabloids, on the news, or in plain conversation. What exactly is a hero? Who, or what, can be classified as heroic?
Studying superheroes teach you about the liberally educated qualities listed by Cronon, and studying superheroes individually teach you the key virtues of connecting: selflessness, bravery and perseverance. In the end, to be able to learn, grow, and aid your community, you just need to connect with others. Connecting is what makes societies, superheroes, and liberally educated people come together and from a strong
Most people look up to Superman or Batman as superheros but do they qualify as modern day heros? According to Mike Dilbeck in the article “What Really Is a Hero, Anyway?” A hero is someone who voluntarily engages in activity to benefit others without looking for recognition. While on the other hand, the super heroes people look up to are the opposite of what a real hero is. A superhero is just a person with superhuman powers who uses them to fight off negative people.
The word “Hero” has many different labels. In “ Heroes Versus Sociopaths” Andrea Kuszewski explains what she thinks the word “hero” means to her. In the article she also talks about sociopaths and what they mean to her. Towards the end of her article she starts to compare and contrast heroes and sociopaths so you can have a better understanding. She quoted, “ They are people who possess extraordinary traits of altruism - selfless concern for the well-being of others - even at the expense of their own existence”, talking about heroes.
Everybody knows about the classic superhero story: a villain tries to destroy everything, the hero intervenes, saves the damsel in distress and the whole population is delighted and accepts him. Yet, behind the familiar, innocent narrative put forward is hidden a much darker tale of support to the elite. The conservative ideology publicized by superhero stories tends to support a worldview in which the interests of the upper-class and the stability of the system are protected. In that narrative, individuals are not expected to think critically or defy authority, but to follow orders and use their natural skills to benefit society as a whole. Benevolence, obedience and security are valued over individuality, creativity and progress.
A hero can be classified by many things. A hero can be superman, a police officer, and even your mom, but what makes a hero? Is it someone who can fly or shoot laser beams from their eyes or someone who saves a baby from a burning building? I’ll admit some of these characteristics are far-fetched since I don’t know anyone who can fly or randomly saves babies on a normal day. All heroes, including super ones, all have something in common, they 're admired for their courage or an outstanding thing they’ve done.
Every human being should have a hero. Many people view heroes as a fictional cartoon character. For younger kids, Spiderman is their hero. People don’t need super strength nor super speed to be a hero. A hero is someone who changes a person life for the better.
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.
Joseph Campbell noticed a recurring pattern that in myths from around the world, the most popular myths were the hero’s myth. The Hero’s myth identifies the different stages of a hero’s journey. The different stages in the journey include, the birth/beginning, the call to adventure, helpers/amulet, crossing the threshold, the tests, helpers, climax/supreme ordeal, flight, return, elixir, and home/end. The movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers just an ordinary man who wants to join the army to help defeat the Germans in World War 2. Rogers registered for the army but failed, due to his health conditions.
How has heroism changed over time? I don’t think the definition of a hero has changed, a hero itself puts others before themselves, they are always willing to risk their lives to help someone in need for help. In a less dramatic form a considerate or kind person can also be called a hero, a person with good manners and generosity shows the same attitude just like a restraint hero does. You don’t have to have super powers or be really strong in order to be called a superhero, even if you help a less fortunate person that doesn’t have as much as you do, that is a very heroic deed that anyone can be able to do, or if you donate to a charity of some sort, that is also something only a heroic person would do.
I agree with Michael Uslan where he argues that superhero characters are a modern mythology. Although science can help explain the background of the superheroes powers, superheroes are usually regarded as a Saviour rather than a science experiment. Since superheroes are much more unrealistic, it tends towards being a mythology instead. Past mythology has iconic stories such as David and Goliath, the labours of Hercules, and the story of Moses. There are also counterparts which can be found in modern day comic books adventure.
