What It Really Means to Be a Hero: Conclusion on The Topic

Characteristics of a Real Hero (essay)

A person, standing tall on the roof of a business building, is looking over a city. His hair and cape is flapping behind him. That is what many people think of when they hear the word “hero”. According to Merriam-Webster, a hero means “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability”. While it is a great way to describe a book character, that is not always the case. I chose to write about hero in this essay to make a conclsuion to this topic: finaly find out what does it means to be a hero in the real life, not pretending that you are a book character or a movie actor. The word hero can also mean a person who helps and saves others, a role model, and someone who makes a difference.

One of the first characteristics a person would describe a hero as helping and saving others. First responders, such as the police, fireman, and emergency medical technicians (EMT) are great examples of a hero. United States First Responders Association described it best: they are the ones “who run towards an event rather than away”. When someone is kidnapped, the police will do everything in their power to get the person back safe and sound. When a house is on fire, the fire department is called, and they run into burning buildings to save anyone trapped inside. When a severe accident occurs, the EMT delivers first aid and transport the patient to a hospital if needed. First responders work together to save the lives of others. Additionally, soldiers are another example of heroes that help people. They go into battle fully knowing they may not make it back home alive; soldiers risk their lives to keeps others safe. Reported by Los Angeles Times, Ross McGinnes gave up his life to save four other soldiers by using “his back to smother [the grenade]”. He could have jumped out and saved himself, but he decided to provide the ultimate sacrifice. Furthermore, humanitarians, such as Mother Teresa, is an example of a hero that helps people. She “established a hospice; centers for the blind, aged and disabled; and a leper colony”. She dedicated her life to helping the poor and needy, creating support worldwide. She was given many awards and recognitions for her actions, the most notable being the Nobel Peace Prize. Even though these heroes do not have “superpowers”, they are out saving lives every day.

Along with helping others, a hero is a role model. For example, many people, especially children, have family members as their role models and heroes. Children often look up to their parents. Research done by Kristin J. Anderson & Donna Cavallaro showed that “children most frequently (34 percent) named their parents as role models and heroes”. The children believe that their parents are invincible; they can do anything. Teachers and coaches are also examples of being a hero and a role model. Teachers can easily spend eight hours a day with students in their classrooms. They get to know who the students are and watch them grow. They want each student to succeed. Good teachers inspire students to reach their potential. Additionally, celebrities can be a hero. Ellen DeGeneres is a role model and hero to many. She reminds people to be themselves. She is not afraid to show her true colors. She once said “I think beauty comes from actually knowing who you are. That’s real beauty to me”. She inspires people to realize that being themselves is all the beauty they need. People do not need to change themselves to fit in and try to be someone they are not. For the most part, role models may not be considered caped-heroes, but what they do makes them heroic.

Most importantly, a hero is defined as someone who makes a difference in their community. For example, Abraham Lincoln is a hero who made a difference. Through the Emancipation Proclamation, he freed slaves in the confederate states. However, due to Lincoln’s feelings that the Emancipation Proclamation “might have little constitutional authority once the war was over”, congress decided to draft up the 13th amendment. Even though Lincoln was never able to see slavery completely abolished due to his assassination, the 13th amendment was ratified and slavery was a thing of the past. Another example is Martin Luther King Jr., who can be defined as a Civil Rights hero. In his “I Have A Dream” speech, he said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”. He and several other Civil Rights leaders helped fight against segregation by holding boycotts, marches, non-violent protests, and sit-ins. After years of action and dedication, the “Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act” was created. In the end, he was able to achieve his dream, not just for his children, but for all people of color across the country. Furthermore, Malala Yousafzai is another hero who made a difference. She is an activist for the right for girls to go to school. In 2008, at the age of 11, the Taliban banned girls from going to school. In 2012, at the age of 15, she was shot in the head for speaking out about girls' rights to education. She wants to “ensure all girls receive 12 years of free, safe, quality education” (Malala). She travels to different places to meet others that are fighting injustice. She wants their stories to be told. As these real-life heroes demonstrated, not that all heroes need a costume to wear.

All in all, the word hero can mean something different to everybody. However, the main characteristics of heroes are saving other people, being a good role model, and making a difference. Anyone can be a hero. First responders, soldiers, and humanitarians saves others through personal sacrifices. Parents, teachers, and many celebrities are great role models and heroes, as they are the ones that people admire. Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai are heroes because they made an impact in their community. As Malala once said, “when the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”