Heros Article21:25 Jun 06 2007
Times Read: 564
Every day we see people described as ‘heroes’ in the media and at times we just this word very loosely. But who really deserves the title of a hero? Many people have different ideas of what qualifies someone to earn this title, and so it would be hard to find an universal meaning. The dictionary definition is
1. In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war.
3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field: the heroes of medicine.
4. The principal male character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation
Many people believe that a hero is definition 2, especially soldiers fighting for their country. But is it really a noble act to kill because you are told to do so? From a very young age we are told that we should not follow with out question, the phrase, ‘If they told you to jump of a cliff, would you?’ leaps to mind. But in the Military, Army or Navy people are often expected to, when asked to do something do it with out question or protest. It is a life of discipline. People are trained to accept that, when you are told to do something there is a good reason. But is there ever a good reason for war? One thing I like to keep to mind is, is the reason some one kills important, is a hit man a hero because he kills because he was told to just as the soldier is?
Others think that some one who classifies as a hero is some one with extreme bravery, weather it be firemen, police men, or even the ordinary person who would go out of their way to help especially if the situation is potentially dangerous. Would the ‘ordinary man’ be more of a hero than those who have chosen a job which entails this danger? Or is the fireman and policeman the most brave as they face these things on a day to day basis, needing constant bravery.
Other people consider heroes are those who are not militant but are brave in another sense, people like the suffragettes, Ghandi and Martin Luther King. People who stand up, against the majority to get their point across and change things for a group of people These people have taken their lives in their hands and used them to change others lives positively with out causing harm to others, with out selfish reasoning but purely to help others.
Individuals who simply take the time to listen to those who need help are often described as heroes, weather it be friends, family, teachers or any one else. This makes people feel wanted and may take people away from a very lonely and dangerous place. At times with out even knowing it people, simply reaching out can do a world of good, these people can be heroes to those they have helped.
People who, although their lives are depressing and their live seam have no hope, carry on, so they can look after children, family or friends. People like carers, mothers and fathers. These peoples reason for living is utterly selfless, they may abhor life but with out them those they look after would not be here.
One strong theme which people cling to when defining Heroes is that they do right, most of the time with out being told to or doing it because of their religious beliefs but purely because it is right especially if it takes them into danger and they carry on due to the fact it is honourable. The problem with this is that everyone has a different idea of what is right and so a hero to one person could be the devil to another.
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