The Hero Essay, Research Paper

The word hero is not used today as it was many years ago. Back then a hero was a warrior who fought and killed his enemies to save many lives. Today we know there are many types of heroes. For example, Martin Luther King changed the lives of many and was considered a great hero though he never fought or killed anyone. A hero is anyone who changes anyone?s life in a positive way.

The classic definition of a hero is a strong courageous man who fights evil to defend the lives of the innocent. Many times he would be a made up story hero. Superhuman strength would be the most important characteristic of what a hero would be given in one of these adventure stories. A hero also had to be fearless, caring, and famous. His enemies would include supernatural beings like a monster, a witch or the infamous dragon. Having made up heroes raised the spirits of many during their hard times.

Not all heroes were made up. War generals like the notorious Napoleon were considered heroes for their heroic warfare. George Washington led the American Revolution to bring freedom to thousands of Americans. Firefighters risk their lives to rescue the lives of many civilians. The police force place their lives on the line everyday to make the world a safer place. Risking your life for someone else creates a hero.

You also don?t have to kill anyone, conquer foreign land, or risk your life to be a hero. Anyone who influences anyone else by saving or helping save their lives is a hero. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the lives of millions of people by bringing justice to minorities. Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest heroes, led a nonviolent revolution to free his country. Even a parent can be a hero to his or her child by leading them in the right direction. All teachers are heroes when they make it their job to teach a child anything that will help them in life. You don?t have to go to great lengths by risking your life to make a difference in someone else?s life.

There is another type of hero that almost no one is aware of. In the poorest areas of the country lives mostly minorities. All their lives they?ve been expected to work harder and expected not succeed in life. Some individuals living in poverty with a determination to succeed work hard all of their lives to become what everybody doubted they could. Escaping the crime, drugs, and prostitution is enough to escape hell, even if they don?t go to college. Despite of their financial problems, drug and crime surroundings, or difficulties in the language skills, their desire to triumph fuels their persistence. Those who make it to success are the few living examples of the purest form of hero anyone can be. They are not only their own heroes but the heroes of the poor children who dream of becoming like them someday.

A hero is any person who changes the life of another person in a positive way. No one has to kill monsters, rescue girls, or lead a war to be hero. You don?t have to have superhuman strength or be known worldwide to be a hero. There is one characteristic that all heroes must possess. Whether your saving someone from a fire, leading a nonviolent revolution, or striving to succeed, you have to have courage to accomplish your goal. Everyone has a hero, but not everyone has it in them to be a hero.