'The Man In The Red Bandana'

“A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.” This quote can be found in the movie Hercules, when Zeus tries to explain that what separates heroes from the average person is not the capabilities they possess, but the choices they make. Heroism is not about what you can do, but about how and why you are doing it. Heroes are ordinary people who are courageous in trying situations, while overcoming their challenges with selflessness and dedication, and without seeking recognition or attention.

Real heroes are ordinary people who display courage in intimidating or dangerous situations. Such an example of this can be found in the movie Mulan. When Mulan heard her injured father was to serve in the

At this point she decided she would protect her father, by disguising herself as a man to take his place in the army. She was aware this action was a crime punishable by death and would openly shame her family, but that did not stop her because of her sincere love for her father. She does this because heroes do not factor in the odds or worry about the end result, they do everything in their power to protect someone else despite the danger. Likewise, the documentary “The Man in the Red Bandana” narrates the story of Welles Crowther, a man who sacrificed his life to help evacuate numerous people from inside the South Tower on 9/11. One woman named Ling Young explained not only did Crowther help her group find the stairs, he went back up and did everything he could do to help. She stated, “He could have continued going down with us, but he didn’t, he went back up.” To turn and venture back up into a building in flames is the

To illustrate this, Tristan Segers lost his leg while fighting in Afghanistan, an immeasurable sacrifice for his country. When asked about his recovery process Segers divulged, “I didn’t do anything special, but if the progress I’ve made motivates another wounded veteran to keep going then that’s great.” (SB 59) Segers remained humble even when people acknowledged his sacrifice and amazing attitude towards it. Another instance of such humility is Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, who used his freedom to speak out against slavery while encouraging those still in its bonds. He remarked, “From that time until now, I have been engaged in pleading the cause of my brethren-- with what success, and with what devotion, I leave those acquainted with my labors to decide.” (SB 71) Douglass thought he had been presented with a unique opportunity to be a voice for the enslaved, and so for him, the opinions of others were irrelevant. He did everything for the interest of others, instead of his own selfish ambitions. Segers and Douglass both were extraordinarily humble about their sacrifices and accomplishments, because true heroes are motivated by the good that will come from their actions, not the attention they will earn from their