Category: Heroism

Introduction

Martin Luther King Jr., an iconic figure in American history, is widely regarded as a hero who championed civil rights, equality, and justice. Through his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest, King emerged as a transformative leader who fought against racial discrimination and inequality in the United States. This persuasive essay will explore the reasons why Martin Luther King Jr. is considered a hero, highlighting his moral courage, visionary leadership, and lasting impact on society.

Body

Moral Courage

One of the defining characteristics of a hero is moral courage, the willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity and opposition. Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified this virtue through his unwavering commitment to nonviolence and his resolute pursuit of racial justice. Despite facing numerous threats, physical attacks, and acts of hatred, King remained steadfast in his belief in the power of love, peace, and justice. His moral courage inspired millions and paved the way for significant advancements in the civil rights movement.

Visionary Leadership

Martin Luther King Jr.’s visionary leadership played a pivotal role in mobilizing people, galvanizing a movement, and effecting meaningful change. He had a remarkable ability to articulate a vision of equality and justice for all, compelling people to join him in the pursuit of a better society. Through his powerful speeches, such as the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, King communicated a vision of a nation where individuals are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. His ability to inspire and unite people of diverse backgrounds is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills.

Commitment to Nonviolence

Another reason why Martin Luther King Jr. is considered a hero is his steadfast commitment to nonviolent resistance as a means of achieving social change. He drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and applied it to the civil rights movement in the United States. King believed that love and peaceful protest were powerful tools that could bring about transformation without perpetuating the cycle of violence. His adherence to nonviolence not only garnered international attention but also highlighted the moral superiority of his cause and strengthened the movement’s impact.

Advocacy for Equality

Martin Luther King Jr.’s unwavering advocacy for equality remains a defining aspect of his heroic legacy. He dedicated his life to challenging racial segregation, discriminatory laws, and systemic injustice that oppressed African Americans. King’s efforts led to significant legislative victories, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which dismantled legal barriers and provided greater protections for marginalized communities. His work paved the way for greater equality and opened doors of opportunity for generations to come.

Lasting Impact on Society

Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact extends far beyond his lifetime. His heroic efforts laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle for racial justice and civil rights. The principles he advocated for, such as equality, justice, and nonviolence, continue to resonate with people around the world. King’s legacy serves as a constant reminder of the power of grassroots movements and the ability of individuals to effect change, even in the face of immense challenges.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King Jr.’s heroic status is a result of his moral courage, visionary leadership, commitment to nonviolence, advocacy for equality, and lasting impact on society. His contributions to the civil rights movement in the United States are unparalleled, and his legacy continues to inspire generations to strive for a more just and equitable world. Martin Luther King Jr.’s heroism lies not only in his accomplishments but also in his unwavering dedication to the principles of justice, equality, and love.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” (Martin, National Conference on Christian Education). Martin Luther King Junior was an influential black American because of his motivation to end racial injustices. His desire to create fairness and racial equality among black Americans helped shape the world as we know it today. He fought hard to “earn” African American freedom and equality, as well as strongly standing up for what was right. In the midst of the 20th century, he acted in peaceful protests, gave speeches, and made a real difference in achieving his goal. If people only act when they are comfortable, nothing will ever get accomplished, which is why we honor MLK for what he did.

Surprisingly, a poor childhood and family life were not the cause of his motivation. He had a generally happy childhood and family life, besides the racial injustices pushed upon him. Martin Luther King Junior was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He and his two siblings learned how to play the piano from their mother, and they got their religious and spiritual teachings from their father and grandfather. As any common boy, MLK enjoyed playing baseball and football. He was also a paperboy and wanted to be a fireman when he grew up. However, his family was almost immediately informed about the unfairness and inequality that flourished in the South. From the time he was born, MLK was informed that black and white people had different rights. If a black family wanted to eat at a restaurant, they would have to sit in a different section of the restaurant. They would have to use different restrooms than white people and sit in the back of movie theaters. Then one day, when MLK and his father visited a shoe store to get Martin some new shoes, they were almost immediately forced to the back of the store. The clerk said that they do not serve colored people in the front of the store. When he got home that day, his mother told him not to show his anger when someone made him angry. She reassured him that he was just as good as anyone else. This was a large realization to Martin. This was one of the major components of Martin’s feelings towards the Jim Crow laws. Many events, such as this one, shaped MLK and made him become the man we know him as today.

MLK was a relatively successful man, particularly correlating with his ability to achieve numerous things such as going to college and becoming the SCLC president, all while being a black man in the early 1900s. In 1944, MLK graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and was admitted into Morehouse College at the age of 15. Although his father and maternal grandfather had also attended this college, MLK did not intend to follow in their footsteps. The president of the college, Dr. Benjamin May, was a supporter of racial equality, which helped King decide to go to the school. Then in 1948, Martin graduated from Morehouse College and attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree, won a prestigious fellowship, and was elected president of his class, in which the majority was white. He then entered a graduate program at Boston University in 1953, earning a Doctorate in Systematic Theology two years later. However, while he was still in Boston in 1953, he met Coretta Scott, who eventually became his wife. They got married in the same year, settled in Montgomery, Alabama, and MLK became a pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. Therefore, Martin was well-educated and had a great sense of the changes he was attempting to make in the world. Martin made his opinion on the importance of education clear when he said, “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education. A complete education gives one not only the power of concentration but also worthy objectives upon which to concentrate. The broad education will, therefore, transmit to one not only the accumulated knowledge of the race but also the accumulated experience of social living” (Martin, Morehouse College). In analysis, this statement infers that education can teach you morals and values. Education will provide students with the social and emotional skills they need in order to survive in the real world. It will not only supply its students with knowledge, but education will help build a greater character among students. According to King, “It seems to me that education has a two-fold function to perform in the life of man and in society: the one is utility and the other is culture. Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life” (Martin, Morehouse College). He has also said, “At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths. To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction” (Martin, Morehouse College). In these statements, MLK is claiming that people in this world are unfair and blind to the truth. Most people do not think logically when it comes to decisions. He believed that the purpose of education was to enable us to understand the reality of certain situations. King most likely used these skills to help Americans acknowledge the truth of racial segregation and how it was inadequate. There was no reason for races to be separated and unequal. Nevertheless, MLK had a great education, and he perceived it as a tool designed to assist people in realizing the truth.

As previously mentioned, MLK’s dream was to create a world free of racial segregation and inequality. The effort MLK actually put toward his goal was astonishing. Many significant events occurred involving King, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s movements, and MLK’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. To start, the Montgomery Bus Boycott took place in Montgomery, Alabama, which happened to be where King and his wife lived. The Bus Boycott took place on December 1, 1955, when Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to surrender her bus seat for a white passenger. As an unfair consequence, Rosa Parks was arrested due to her violation of the city’s segregation laws, Activists formed the Montgomery Improvement Association to boycott the unfair transportation system; MLK was elected the leader of the association. This eventually led to the buses being unsegregated due to the law being unconstitutional.; Many African Americans had MLK to thank for this. Then, inspired by the Montgomery Bus Boycott, MLK along with other civil rights activists established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), in 1957. This group was fully committed to achieving full equality for African Americans through nonviolent protests. The SCLC motto, “Not one hair of one head of one person should be harmed,” was held in belief by MLK until the day of his death. As the SCLC president, he would travel around the world giving peaceful lectures about racial equality to political leaders, religious figures, and activists. He even once got to meet family members and followers of Gandhi, while traveling in India. Also, with other civil rights and religious groups, MLK worked to organize the March on Washington for freedom and jobs. Their main goal was to eradicate African-American hate, granting them freedom and better jobs. There were about 200,000 to 300,000 participants in this march. This march ended up being a major factor in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And finally, probably his most recognizable achievement, on August 28, 1963, MLK recited his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he spoke of his hatred of segregation and his effort to end it. A call for equality and freedom, MLK’s famous and successful “I Have a Dream” speech became one of the most defining moments in the civil rights movement. It is also considered one of the most iconic speeches in American history. About 250,000 people were gathered around the Lincoln Memorial on the day of the speech, just to hear the wise words of Martin Luther King Junior. One of the most well-known quotes from the speech is, “I have a dream that my four 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” (Martin, I Have a Dream). This relates to Martin’s many beliefs, which state that people should not treat each other based on their skin color, but rather their personalities. This all led to King, at the age of 35, becoming the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Prize at the time. He won $54,123, which he donated back to the civil rights movement. Since he donated this money, it is easily inferred that he was very passionate, determined, and serious about achieving racial equality. Unfortunately, King was assassinated by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968, but his legacy will forever be remembered and honored by Americans and many other people all over the world.

In conclusion, because of his deep desire and motivation to end racial injustices, Martin Luther King Junior was an influential African American. From the years he was born to the years he died, he always recognized the problems of racial segregation and performed many things to help spread the word, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, becoming president of and peacefully protesting with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Martin Luther King Junior made a huge impact on society with these movements, as well as being a successful, well-rounded man who achieved many things, specifically accomplishments relating to education. King graduated from Morehouse College and attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree, won a prestigious fellowship, and was elected president of his class. Therefore, whenever you lose motivation or hope to pursue something, just remember that Martin Luther King Junior achieved so many great things with nothing but his motivation, bravery, and desire to end racial segregation.

Dear Kendrick Lamar, I am Avi, I’m a student at King’s College in Auckland, New Zealand. I am writing to you because I idolize you and think of you as my hero.

I personally think of you as my hero because of how you grew up from a really rough upbringing in a not-so-wealthy area and still made it big. I admire the fact that you had major difficulties growing up and trying to succeed, like having a really bad stutter that made it hard for you to finish sentences, you still found a way around and started to express yourself on paper, and look how far that has taken you. You show that no matter how bad of a place you’re in hard work and dedication, will always get you out of it and help you thrive and become a successful person.

I like how you didn’t follow the herd like a sheep when you were growing up. Everyone was gang-banging and being violent while you took a unique path and finished high school. It shows you don’t always have to do what others are doing to fit in and succeed. Eventually, all your hard work paid off by getting you noticed by one of the most famous rappers of your time, Dr. Dre. This shaped you into one of the most influential rappers of our time. You a disruptive force with a socially conscious, this is why I think of you as my hero.

I first noticed you when you released your “To pimp a butterfly album”. Specifically, the song “Alright” is a very inspirational song used at heaps of black lives matter protests. I like how you rap about your hardships and difficulties but still keep a positive mindset and keep telling yourself “ We gon be alright”.

I really admire some of your qualities like anti-racism, hard work, dedication, and so on. One of your songs from your first album called “F*** your ethnicity” shows that you are not a stereotypical mainstream rapper, you don’t hold the image of rapping only about drugs, sex, and money. You try to get your point across that you are a smart individual who has a mind of his own, someone who doesn’t follow the crowd. That is a big reason why I look up to you, your message tells me you can be successful by being your own individual self.

I love that you don’t just rap to make music, you rap to tell a story specifically about yourself and your past life. You don’t follow other “mumble rappers” and rap about irrelevant things and flex your success and fame. You make your music lyrical and give it meaning while also making it enjoyable to listen to. I know I’ve made this point a lot but it’s pretty much the theme of my letter and is the main reason I look up to you.

I had a few questions for you. How did you come up with the nickname “Kung fu Kenny?”, what is your thinking process behind all your songs? who did you look up to when you were growing up? did you ever think you’d make it this far?

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my letter, it means a lot and I wish you all the best with your rapping career, and I hope you continue to inspire people and keep being a great hero.

Kids are taught through TV shows and movies that heroes wear a cape and a mask. In today’s day and age, anyone can act heroically. For example, last week a fireman in Massachusetts died in a house fire. There was a baby on the third floor, and after Lieutenant Jason rescued two members of his crew, he went back into the burning house to find the baby. He made it to the third floor and was trapped and killed by the fire. Lieutenant Jason is a hero because he puts the lives of others before his own, even if it means his family and three young children have to bear his loss.

Another person who has been working to save lives is a woman named Abby Johnson. She previously worked at Planned Parenthood and is now an anti-abortion activist. Abby worked at Planned Parenthood for eight years until one day she was asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. She was horrified when she witnessed what actually happens when a baby is killed. Since then, she has been traveling the world as an advocate for unborn babies. She has also made an industry that helps abortion clinic workers leave their jobs. She has so far helped over 430 workers who want to turn their lives around. Abby Johnson is a hero to countless babies and puts herself into dangerous situations, including speaking in crowded cities and challenging the media. Abby tells people, “I am pro-life because I am pro-love”.

The third and final person I would like to shine a light on is Pino Lella. At the age of 17, Pino was determined to serve Italy during World War II. When it was too dangerous for him to stay at home, he went to a house in the mountains that was run by a priest and consisted of other young boys. Pino and his younger brother were the oldest ones there, and they were asked to help Jewish people flee to Switzerland. Pino did not back down and was determined to help everyone he could. He led many groups of people up steep mountains to safety. He put himself at extreme risk because there were men guarding the border of Italy day and night. When Pino returned home, he became a spy while being a personal driver for a powerful Nazi general. Pino could have been easily killed if he gave anything away, and yet he put on a brave face to serve his country.

These three people I talked about in my essay have impacted the world and my own life in different ways. There is no exact definition of a hero, but in my opinion, it is someone who selflessly puts themselves in dangerous situations for the good of others.

What is the definition of heroism? What is a hero? Who are the people we make heroes of? Why do we need heroes, what is the purpose? What makes them so special? What happens when a hero falls, will another one arise? Zimbardo gives the following answer to these troubling questions: “I believe that heroism is different from altruism and compassion. For the last five years, my colleagues and I have been exploring the nature and roots of heroism, studying exemplary cases of heroism and surveying thousands of people about their choices to act (or not act) heroically. In that time, we’ve come to define heroism as an activity with several parts. First, it’s performed in service to others in need — whether that’s a person, group, or community — or in defense of certain ideals. Second, it’s engaged voluntarily, even in military contexts, as heroism remains an act that goes beyond something required by military duty. Third, a heroic act is one performed with recognition of possible risks and costs, whether to one’s physical health or personal reputation, in which the actor is willing to accept the anticipated sacrifice. Finally, it is performed without external gain anticipated at the time of the act”.

I agree with Zimbardo’s idea because, by my definition, a hero is someone who we determine to have demonstrated behaviors, morals, values, and decisions that are ethically and emotionally worthy of our awe. We see in them what we think we don’t have. Here are some quotes that inspire people to be heroic: “A hero. You want to be one of those rare human beings who make history, rather than merely watch it flow around them like water around a rock”, or ”We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, discovering we have the strength to stare it down”. When we think of heroes, the majority of us think of movie stars or professional athletes, but it’s not always about your popularity or talent, heroism can also be about how you help the community and what you give back to people.

Thinking about heroism, I remembered my grandma. The images and traits that came to mind were courage, passion, integrity, honesty, confidence, patience, selflessness, humility, and support. I remember, when I was younger, she would come home from work, cook meals, and we would go out and hand them to the homeless. During the fall and winter, she would knit blankets and hand them out to the homeless, and also make coco. Even when she would be tired, she still would go out and help the ones who were less fortunate, and I would look up to her as a hero because she was putting smiles on the faces of people who didn’t have anyone to help them. She did not mind doing it, but her heart would feel extra warm, just to see them happy for a couple of minutes, without having to bring up their situation.

Heroism is about showing courage when faced with a problem or problems. A hero is a person who is able to help another in various ways, even if it is the littlest thing. A person can show heroism by saving someone who is in danger. Another example of a hero is someone who is there to help others and gives them strength to go on through life’s difficulties such as the death of a family member, unemployment, homelessness, etc. A hero can be someone who gave up his or her life so another could live to see theirs because they saw that potential to be great.

I do believe that heroes don’t have to be afraid to engage in a heroic act, they can just do it out of impulse or a feeling. Most of the time, heroes are also scared because they are humans just like the rest of the world. But at the same moment, they feel a sense of a moral obligation or something inside of them tells them to act, regardless of whether they are terrified or not. On several occasions, the heroes talked about how they were afraid at times, but that they had some type of superhuman strength and will that allowed them to act in such a way. Zimbardo discusses such a dutiful hero: “I love the story of a wonderful nine-year-old Chinese boy, who I call a dutiful hero. In 2008, there was a massive earthquake in China’s Sichuan province. The ceiling fell down on a school, killing almost all the kids in it. This kid escaped, and as he was running away, he noticed two other kids struggling to get out. He ran back and saved them. He was later asked, ‘Why did you do that?’. He replied, ‘I was the hall monitor! It was my duty, it was my job to look after my classmates!’”.

In ‘What Makes a Hero’, Zimbardo argues that a key principle of heroism is that heroes are most effective not alone but in a network. It’s through forming a network that people have the resources to bring their heroic impulses to life. Heroes are not alone, they have people who help them, who are in the background. For instance, Batman has Alfred who works with him from the Batcave while Batman is fighting crime. Also, Zimbardo continues to go on to say: “Altruism is heroism light, it doesn’t always involve risk. Compassion is a virtue that may lead to heroism, but we don’t know what it does. We’re just now starting to scientifically distinguish heroism from these other concepts and zero in on what makes a hero”. These connect with my traits or images because heroes are individuals like you and me who find strengths to perpetuate and tolerate in antipathy for eye-opening challenges. Zimbardo discusses that heroes go beyond and above people who have a normal day-to-day basis, and this is true because heroes stand out in the crowd as the one who is going to make a difference. Overall, no one was born with the precious values of a hero whether it is bad or good, it’s all about what a person has received around him or her. For example, a hero does not come out of the womb and is automatically a hero. A hero can be molded to be a great leader. But it is not until someone grows mentally and physically into that, they would actually become a hero. Heroes can be made if they develop the traits. Sacrifice is the forfeiture of something that is highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim. Heroic leaders have the determination to achieve goals despite challenges. They display confidence when under stress and are courageous enough to take risks while others are looking to hide themselves because of fear and doubt. Heroic leaders are already passionate about their work. Leadership is the integration of external actions and internal ethics. Heroic leaders are trusted by their followers because they never change from their foundation (inner values), even when it might be difficult. Heroic leaders are always honest with everyone around them; they tell the truth and possess little tolerance for telling people what they want to hear. These are some of the traits or qualities that can create a hero for them to be made.

A hero can be anyone we look up to. They can be real or fictional, they can be someone we see every day or have met once in our life, they can be male or female, children or grown-ups. When we were young, our heroes were Superman, Batman, Spiderman, League of Superheroes, etc. Then our heroes became our moms, dads, grandparents, sisters and brothers, and even our pets. As we become older and more experienced, our perceptions of heroism change. There are many more manifestations of heroism around us than we think and know. To notice this, you just need to look at your parents, neighbors, colleagues, friends, etc. You will find that they are wonderful people who make sacrifices for others, use their courage to cope with the absinthe realities of modern life, who do not lose their humanity when faced with difficulties, and are always ready to help if you need it. Sometimes we don’t even know about the great deeds of all these people, because heroes don’t like to share their stories, but they will help if called upon. True heroism is not in something supernatural, but in the simplest, but such important things.

Whether it be sports, education, career, or even the general concept of survival, every individual wants to succeed at something. To achieve, they surrender some notion of liberty. Sacrifice is more important than achievement because without first sacrificing something, one cannot attain success. There have been many accounts of courageous actions throughout history, representing what they have done to achieve. In each of these stories, the reader learns what they have to give up to gain something. If the hero does not make the effort to create a change, they will not succeed. Heroes embody many traits, some of which include self-sacrifice, conviction, courage, passive, selflessness, determination and loyalty.

Beowulf’s tale portrays self-sacrifice. He is a prince who, for complete foreigners, risked his life on many occasions. He sacrifices his life to save the Danes from the loathsome Grendel, a monster that kills the Danish soldiers and eats them. Grendel has been snacking on the Danes for a while now during this stage in moment, and nothing has occurred to alter that. This is a harmful circumstance. If anyone tried to stop the beast, they’d have the chance to be eaten. Beowulf, however, is prepared to risk it. Beowulf assumes the monster and even kills it, protecting the Danes from its twisted claws. The Danes would not have remained if Beowulf had never sacrificed his life to save these people. Sacrifice is the center element leading to achievement. When it comes to warriors and charity, there is also a great impact on self-sacrifice. There is a poem written by Richard Lovelace ‘To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars’. This poem is about a man who leaves his lover, Lucasta, and goes to the battlefield with the enemy. Lucasta considers it as an exercise of selfishness, the narrator states: “I could not love thee, Dear, so much, Loved I not honor more”. His sacrifice, however, could contribute to long-term salvation of her existence. What if the army discovered the route home to Lucasta’s home country and killed her? When it comes to sacrifice, there is always that chance of success or failure, but one has to make a sacrifice either way. The idea is the hero attempts to make a change.

How would they go about it if someone wished to create a shift? First, they have something to sacrifice. Whether they risk their life, like Beowulf earlier guided, or give up their lovers, some characteristics must be given up first. If the need for change is strong enough, the individual won’t even turn a blind eye to murder. Even though the attempt to change is going down in flames, what counts is the fact that the attempt was made. Having a firm conviction leaves room for the hero to keep up with the task at hand, fight without distraction for what they believe in, and do what they think is right to succeed. Without conviction, there’s no luck. In ‘To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars’, the soldiers also portray loyalty: “True, a new mistress now I chase, the first foe in the field”. The soldier leaves his lover and shows loyalty to the ongoing war.

In ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’, the soldiers show determination: “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die”. The soldiers never gave up. They kept fighting in the war, no matter what the circumstances. They are charging, fighting, and dying. This allows the reader to admire how courageous these men are. These men have none of the fundamental freedoms we expect in our daily lives. They just have to go when someone says they should go to be slaughtered. Another example of courageous is Gandhi. He challenged the world’s largest colonial power. He fought the United Kingdom, not with guns or violence, but with peace, to free India from its shackles. He came from a background of privilege, yet devoted himself to the poor, helpless, and defenseless, to free them from imperial bondage: “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won”. Gandhi proved that even the strongest nations could not win against a united people determined by non-violence to plan and control their destiny. More than a dozen times he was arrested and spent a total of seven years in jail. He’s been branded a criminal. Even so, he carried on in the face of beatings, mistreatment, and threats of death. He became one of history’s most cited leaders. His words flew into the hearts and minds of billions of people from one generation to another. Gandhi’s courageous example of fighting peacefully without fear would set the world on fire, as other apostles of good will fought for liberty and freedom not with the sword, but with the word and with the unity of love.

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most prominent black leaders our nation has ever known. Advocating non-violence and passive resistance, he took major steps towards creating a nation where all men and women are created equal. In 1953, King developed a great deal of concern for the welfare of all people, branching into a concern for the lack of civil rights for African Americans. In 1955, King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 385 days and later ended the racial segregation on all Montgomery public buses. King organized and led marches for blacks’ right to vote, desegregation in schools, restaurants, movie theaters, and stores, labor rights, and other basic civil rights. Most of these rights were successfully enacted into the law of the United States with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. No matter how many times King was put into jail or beaten, he still remained passive and non-violent and won more and more followers who agreed and identified with his ideas. This is heroism, because he sacrificed his own life for that of others. Not only did he take the beatings for his beliefs, portraying selflessness, but he never acted out violently in return. He also fought for what he believed and sacrificed his own life for his beliefs, staying true to his own morals.

The ability to work well with others and form bonds determines a person’s level of loyalty. In the military, the soldier often develops a deep sense of selflessness when a group trains, works, and fights for a common goal. That quality will lead a person to act not for himself, but for the sake of others, to protect, fight and serve the common goal, and to do what is necessary, rather than what can be desired personally. A sense of engagement and cohesion towards one’s group becomes even more important than ideology with loyalty. For their comrades, the sense of belonging and acting becomes paramount to whatever they fight for. In this case, the last thing the soldier wants is to let his comrades down. History has had times when this phenomenon has proved to be dangerous. The Nazi movement and violent gangs are examples. However, if for all the right reasons and ideas this degree of loyalty exists, cohesive units can accomplish great things.

A heroic act is a question of perspective. It is certain deeds and qualities that make heroes. Other people who go high and beyond their abilities to achieve an accomplishment are also heroes, though we overlook the negative unintended results of their achievements. Heroism is a matter of perspective and is a label attached to those who possess certain qualities.

You do not require strength and superpowers to be a hero. For some reason, a variety of people don’t support the notion of being a hero because of the association with danger. Individuals act heroically because of their concern for others, with the presence of personal risks and no reward. Although superpowers are not available, components that can contribute are bravery and courage. People act heroically for a variety of reasons, such as standing up for what they believe in, assisting others in need, and ending tragic events.

Acknowledging the fact that they are self-sacrificing for the sake of making a positive difference for their society. The act of heroism, done by those to assist others, despite putting themselves on the line, like Harriet Tubman. “This was indeed a risky business… began working on the railroad for her family” (ushistory.org). She was selfless and prioritized her family. The operation was illegal, but the conductors’ actions had a purpose for the greater good to rebel against the government, expected to jeopardize their lives.

Pursuing what one believes in to settle injustices and defend accusations may result in severe personal damage. Ida B. Wells used her career to speak out against discrimination. In addition, it was spurred by personal tragedies, despite her critical cost. “Her speeches raised the consciousness of the nation… experience had taught her strength and courage…change came slowly…lynching of black people completely stop” (Moreau, 33-34). The anticipated sacrifice of her performances was selfless, endangering her life to change a moral cause. She went through experiences that shaped her actions. As a result, she wanted to change in society’s perspective toward African Americans.

Throughout the timeline, a variety of individuals made a positive impact. Heroism shows up in everyday lives. Their performances benefit the society into something positive, but some people believe that some do it for a reward. True, there are a few individuals who have different motives than others, but Miep Gies’ actions display a different perspective. “A common person… a life filled with regret if I would have refused to help the Franks” (Schultz, 15). She admitted that she was an average person who voluntarily lends a hand. Her intentions were not for a reward, but her concern for others. She had characteristics that contributed to her actions, despite her encounter with hardships. Her consideration towards the Frank family infers the thought that she genuinely cared about them.

Whether having the strength or a heart, multiple characteristics contribute to the acts of heroism. The effects of performing a heroic act may result in a personal cost, but certain individuals were willing to take the risk. Certain individuals did it for the sake of their family, capable of reaching out, or a positive change for the better, notwithstanding the personal jeopardy.

As this time of crisis, frontliners are hailed to be the modern-day heroes. They are the health workers, military and police authorities, journalists, food deliveries, government employees, bank employees, janitors, garbage truck collectors, traffic personnel and people who choose to remain on the front lines. In this essay, I will discuss the heroism of healthcare professionals and other frontliners in this time of pandemic, using Sztompka’s doctrine of heroic determinism.

Sztompka’s (1993) approach to heroic determinism states that heroism is the cause of one’s individualism and voluntarism. One’s action and individual efforts are the only one that can influence the history because it is adaptable (Sztompka, 1993). It is the prominent people who can bring historical change. Putting this approach in how we see our frontliners, a question appeared: do they have a choice or are we just trapped in a system where profits are preferred over people?

We have what we call ‘essential workers’ and they are the medical workers and military officers. Yes, they certainly have a choice. They could just remain in their home, be safe, and make profit without any sacrifice or risk. Instead, they are risking the danger of acquiring the virus and sacrificing their time with their family just to serve the people who needs it during this pandemic. Someone’s greatness is measured by the ability to understand what is happening around and acting accordingly, in short, the basis of heroism is through their action (Sctompka, 1993, p.263). Therefore, the heroism of these essential workers is justified through their individualism and voluntarism. However, we also have frontliners like cashiers, janitors, garbage collectors, cleaning personnel, guards, and those working for their own essentials, which makes their heroism questionable. They do not have a choice because it is a necessity for them to work in order to sustain their living.

We, as a citizen of the country, could honor these modern-day heroes. Most of our frontliners are daily minimum wage earners. We should support and continue to call the government to increase the daily minimum wage. Moving to our medical frontliners, they are not properly compensated and their only advantage is the insurances for when they acquire the virus. In addition, there is a lack of medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE). We must join the call to support our healthcare workers and strengthen the health care system, as this is our only hope in the fight against this pandemic.

Frontliners deserves all the hail they are receiving because of the bravery, passion, and greatness they are offering to our country while sacrificing and risking a lot in their lives. However, they are also workers that needs a more comprehensive actions from the government.

The word ‘hero’ refers to a normal person is the person who does something taken into consideration for the best of people. Heroism starts with the mindset, maintains with guidance, and entire itself with the motion. Thus, the act of a hero is a display of the basic mindset with achievement relying at the guidance for the same. The act of heroism does no longer frequently imply itself within side the motion that hit information headline; many heroes are surrounding us.

Many those who grow to be heroes have the tendency of displaying a challenge for the wellness of others as a result of sacrifices. Compassion and empathy for others are essential variables that make contributions appreciably to the heroic behavior. Someone rushes to help others who are either in trouble or in danger means that they genuinely care and concerned about the safety of others. These people will sacrifice themselves, even if they are in fear. In ‘Beowulf’, the main character, Beowulf, is portrayed as a hero who has the power of super strength, however this isn’t what makes him a hero, the definition a hero is someone of exceptional quality. Nonetheless, the time period does now no longer do any justice to this protagonist, as his self-imposed lifestyle’s motive is to assist others, and later he sacrifices his life doing so. The dragon segment shows a huge variety of Beowulf’s heroic characteristics; he establishes himself as a hero as the end result of attacking the dragon represents braveness and strength in the face of danger and sacrificing his life so that others may live. Notoriously dragons had been hard to kill, the poem highlights that it turned into an exceptional guy who kills the dragon: he does not seek honor because he got all the pride for helping others.

Sacrifices contributes substantially to heroism and make certain that humans are ready to face consequences, which prepares normal people for the wonderful life. Although struggling and ache are terrible things that may be avoided, it’s clear that they’re very good possibilities for someone to evolve a wonderful life. And a perfect hero is one that certainly concentrates on the work and troubles tightly to do something positive about them. In this context, sacrifice implies the hard choices that one unselfishly makes with the intention of supporting others.

On the other hand, the choice to be successful contributes substantially to heroism. Thus, a hero needs to be capable enough, implying that she or he need to have skills and capabilities to steer others. The motivation to be a hero is needed for the hero to stay committed and not give up. The idea or motivation may be from many things, however many heroes act and work because of the concern and compassion for success. The sacrifice of heroes might not always be an existence sacrifice, however alternatively the sacrifice of something personal to them.

Generally, sacrifice is usually about giving up something. Whether prompted by success or sacrifice, heroes have a valid ethical range: they’re assured and capable. They keep going even if they are afraid, keep operating on their desires even after a setback. Persistence is an extremely good quality that each hero share.

Before I begin to compare the heroism between Hector and Achilles and pick a winner, I want to talk about the difference between a hero and a superhero. A hero can be anyone. Any man without an eye, without an arm or even without a big brain can be a hero. Because being hero doesn’t require physical strength, anyone can be a hero even after if he dies, but doesn’t give up till his last breath. A hero is decided by his will power and mental strength. On the other hand, a superhero carries some certain powers that make him superior from the rests. Powers like immorality and seeing the future are characteristics of a superhero.

Now, if someone tells me to pick a side on a fight between a hero or a superhero, I’ll surely pick the non-powered man’s side because he knows that he’s overpowered by the opposition, but still stands to fight. Between them, the war hero is the man without any superpowers.

In Homer’s ‘Iliad’, Hector and Achilles both are the two finest warriors of the time. Hector comes from the defendant land Troy and Achilles from the attacking land Greece. They both died in the battle of Troy. But both of them aren’t heroes. I choose Hector as the hero of ‘Iliad’. There are some reasons behind this decision of mine.

Firstly, my decision was based on losing things. As I’ve mentioned earlier, Hector defends Troy and wants to keep their freedom unharmed. If he loses or Troy loses the battle, Hector loses several things. First of all, he loses his life, his men lose the war, countrymen lose their freedom, Paris and Helen die, and Troy becomes helpless and falls into the dust. On the other hand, Achilles has crossed the sea with an outnumbering warrior in compared to Troy’s. He has nothing to lose but his life. On a battle ground, if there’s anything to lose then that is a warrior’s life. So, here we won’t count life as a lose. So, Achilles is not losing anything, but Hector got everything on the edge of losing. Here Hector overpowers Achilles by his mental strength. A hero is always ready to serve, even though he has everything to lose.

Secondly, my decision was based on the criterion of capabilities. Agamemnon and Achilles got the bigger amount of warriors and they had more than 3 leaders on their side. Among them, Achilles is a half God. He is the son of a Goddess and is immortal until someone hits in his heel. This makes Achilles a better and overpowered being than the humans. But from Troy, Hector is the only leader fighting against the mighty ones of Greece, especially Achilles, who is a half God and almost immortal. There is time when Achilles calls Hector for one-on-one battle and Hector comes for it knowing the fact that he’s going to die because he knew about what the powers of Achilles has. This makes him Hector a far better and greater hero than Achilles. Because someone who is sure about his lose and go to the battlefield is obviously the better one, compared to someone who is overpowered and sure about his victory. So, in term of better capability, Achilles becomes a better warrior, but with a lower chance to win and still willingness for fighting makes Hector a hero.

Thirdly, my decision was based on the criterion of serving. When it comes to the question of serving the land, Hector has always served Troy. In the battle of Troy, Hector fought every day, whereas Achilles was kind of confused or angry and didn’t fight for days. A hero is present on any call. This again makes Hector a hero.

Fourthly, my decision was based on the motives of their fight. For me, this is the best point to define who is a hero, Hector or Achilles. If one asks what Achilles and Hector are fighting for, the answer will be a bit dramatic. Because it clearly portrays Hector as a hero. Hector appears on the battlefield to ensure that Troy’s freedom remains unharmed. A hero always thinks about his men, his countrymen. Whereas Achilles is there, why he himself does not know. This is the difference between a hero and a warrior.

And finally, my decision was based on the motive of death. Achilles and Hector both are the finest warriors of the time. They had a one-on-one battle and one of them had to die. Now who is dying for what? Achilles from Greece had his personal reason and anger to die for. Achilles wants to avenge Patroclus’ death, whereas Hector has a far greater motive to die for. He was the prince of Troy and would be the king who wants to protect Troy’s freedom and its men. A hero always thinks for others, and gives least priority to himself. Hector did it, but Achilles went on personal cause, which is certainly not a heroic nor a God-like act.

In conclusion, I declare Hector as the hero of ‘Iliad’. He is not only a great warrior and prince, he is a far greater man compared to Achilles. His ethics and morals are too high compared to Achilles. Winning doesn’t define heroism, heroism redefines winning. Between a common man like Hector and a superhero like Achilles, Hector will be the hero if there’s a thousand battles to take place.