Heroes

Heroes are considered to be individuals within the society who have notable achievements that impact on the lives of others. Heroes are regarded to have courage, self confidence and are willing to make sacrifice for the sake of the others (Schmitt, Schmitt and Mann 186). Heroes can be recognized in their country of origin or their recognition can go beyond their national boundaries to international recognition. Leaders in successful wars, adventurers and peace makers top the list of individuals considered to be heroes in the world. Differently countries use comical stories in defining and presenting their ideal heroes. Other individuals go to extent of carrying out risk activities in attempt to achieve the title for heroes. This paper looks at who heroes are and their contribution to the world in addition to establishing how American and Japanese view heroes. The paper further looks at how some people go on their way to try to establish heroic recognition through risky behaviors.

Understanding Heroes

Most of the individuals who are considered as heroes led their specific countries in winning wars. Simon Bolivar for example is regarded a hero for being at the lead in fighting for revolt of Latin American to gain independence after many years of suppression by Spain (Schmitt, Schmitt and Mann 186). Other personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi participated directly in establishing as self rule in India and thus regarded as heroes. The heroes expose their live to danger but are determined to achieve their goals, which are of benefit to the whole society. Explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Richard E. Byrd are also considered as heroes for their contribution in discovering new world and Antarctica and Arctic respectively. Therefore it can be said that heroes are those individuals whose actions inspire other people and affect their lives positively.

To understand heroes, their characteristics and contribution, comical stories are used and they are read by both adults and children. The comical books are interesting and creates environment in which the heroes are able to show their extraordinary capabilities against their perceived enemies (Schmitt, Schmitt and Mann 194). Americans presents their comical stories in small books as compared to Japanese who have lengthy stories. In both American and Japanese comical stories, the hero is presented to be different from ordinary people and they are never defeated. These heroes are used to save others from harm and they go unhurt after encounters in fights.

Many individuals want to get the fame of becoming heroes and they may go their way to try to get the attention. In 2009, a family that lived in Colorado, America wanted fame and organized to have their son hide and report that he had disappeared with a hot air balloon (Schmitt, Schmitt and Mann 203). There was tension in the entire country where rescue mission were set by the government and other agencies. Through the focus by the media, the parents thought that they would become known to the world and this motivated their actions. When it was discovered that the boy was actually hidden, the parents were arrested and prosecuted and this was disturbing to them because they failed to achieve their plan.

Conclusion

Heroes’ contribution to the society is significant and when presenting heroes in stories they are mostly given extra ordinary abilities. Some people want to be known and considered as heroes and thus carry out activities that risk their lives. Actually, true heroes are admired by people and their contribution to the society is felt by the people. Most of the heroes are leaders in wars and adventurers who carry out first discoveries. Trying to get fame and obtaining hero titles could lead to individuals down fall as it happened to American family that faked the loss of their son. True heroes are a pride for the society and they are all through admired and liked by the society.

Works Cited

Schmitt, Diane, Norbert Schmitt and David Mann. Focus on Vocabulary: Bridging Vocabulary. New York: Pearson Education, 2014.