Hero, American Style

Heroes can be found in pieces of art, literary works, oral legends, historical facts, and all other types of communication. They are an integral part of the development and continuation of a society. A hero exemplifies certain aspects of a culture. They are like an open door, or a window in which a period of time can be seen through. The morals, attitudes, beliefs, and basic workings of a culture can be examined by virtue of their heroes.

A hero can be defined in many ways. Some might say he is a man who himself is remarkable, whether it be through superhuman powers, noblebirth, or extreme experiences. It is his nature which makes him heroic, as he takes part in things unattainable to a normal person. A religious hero consists of people who appear to be a chosen one. A god or gods direct these heroes to greatness. Others might say it is a man's deeds which make him a hero. They lead a populace from disaster, or sacrifice themselves for the survival of others. He is a person who is admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one who demonstrates incredible courage.

"In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who endo

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The day I say that I am successful in my life, is the day that I can say I am satisfied with my life. We find not much in ourselves to admire, we are always privately wanting to be like somebody else. Many political heroes have fought against the powers that be, and are considered heroes by the common man who may share the ideal of the hero, but does not have the power to act on his ideal.

There are many different definitions of a hero, because people personalize their heroes, and there is no one hero that would be considered so by everyone or eternally. "

The American Hero

There are many different types of American heroes: Religious, Political, or Adventure/Epic. For me, life isn't about being happy, or fulfilling my destiny, or making a difference in this world. Heroes are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, or anyone that touches someone in a

way that causes them to be viewed in the highest of ways. Do I believe in the existence of heroes? Yes. A popular type of hero today is that of an ordinary person who, when put in unusual circumstances, shows a great deal of courage and strength. "

-The Way To Wealth by Benjamin Franklin

Whether fame, money and material wealth is indicative of hero worship, or if that praise is more appropriately placed with those who make a difference in society, is something that is quite personal in nature. The adventure hero is usually an ordinary person who encounters significant dilemmas, difficulties, or revelations.

My American Hero:

"Unconsciously we all have a standard by which we measure other men, and if we examine closely we find that this standard is a very simple one and is this: we admire them, we envy them, for great qualities which we ourselves lack. Our heroes are the men who do things which we recognize with regret and sometimes with a secret shame that we cannot do.

At the beginning of class we were asked a simple question, "What is success?" How do you define success? How does one measure success? For me, success comes from satisfaction. I have never looked towards others to draw strength or inspiration from.

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