Heroes Essay

The Importance of Heroes

Have you ever thought about your life without someone to look up to or someone to help you through your pursuit of life? Would society be the same without the people who shape it? Heroes are meant to help us and support us as we go through life. There are a number of ways in which a hero may be portrayed. A hero is helpful, supportive, brave, dedicated, and determined. They guide us through “mazes” and they guide us through our experiences. Heroes are important to the individual because they often provide a perfect example to others which in a result benefits the society by providing positive role models, encouraging people to take a stand, and inspiring others to make their dreams come true. The society depends on heroes to provide a perfect example of a positive role model. Today’s media provides various role models for girls. Lisa from “The Simpsons” has been acknowledged as the brains of the Simpson family since the start of the very first season of the show, which inspires young girls to be as intelligent as Lisa. Parents may also help to serve as role models because they often show self confidence and supportiveness. Star Jones, a co-host of the television show, “The View”, says she has always looked to her parents for support and advice. “I was just encouraged to be the best “me” that I could be. That is the greatest gift that you can give a child; the freedom and self confidence to be themselves” (Star Jones). Four out of five adults believe that children do not have good role models in their lives nowadays. Children who do not have good role models or have negative role models can easily learn negative behavior and language such as curse words. Role models are very much necessary in order for the society to learn good habits and become confident of themselves. Heroes also encourage people to take a stand and make a difference in the world. There are many heroes that have taken a stand against racism which was and still is a huge issue in our society. Rosa Parks, an African American woman from the 1950’s, took a stand against racism by taking a seat on a public bus and then refused to give up her seat to a white man when she was asked to do so. She was arrested but she made a huge impact on the world today by sitting down on the bus that day. Another way that heroes have taken a stand is in the interest of equal rights among genders. Everyday women in the 1930’s started to take a stand for their rights to education, voting, and the right to take on a career without sexual discrimination. They started an organization called the American Female Reform Society in 1939. It sparked the interest of hundreds of women to make changes in the social norms of America. One more way in which heroes in the society take a stand is by accepting homosexuality and individuality. “Another person’s preferences and attractions should not be criticized by others. Individuality is an important aspect of our society and gays and lesbians should not be persecuted for their beliefs, morals, or values they choose to uphold” (Anonymous). Heroes often contribute to the changes which are happening in the world today which is why heroes are very important to both the individual and society. The most important factor to a hero is their ability to make a long lasting impression on an individual by inspiring them to make their dreams come true. Heroes who inspire others do not necessarily come from a good background. Oprah Winfrey, an American television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, inspires many people on a daily basis but has come from a childhood of poverty and sexual abuse. She helps children to achieve their dreams by inviting them on her talk-show to display their talents and abilities. She also helps people to “find themselves” by discussing various topics from sexual abuse to homosexuality on her show. People are often inspired by celebrities or presidents who had large dreams. Barack Obama inspired many people when he won the presidential election on January 20, 2009 and became the first African American President of the United States. He shows many people that if you set your mind to something it can happen because he not only had a huge dream of becoming the leader of the free world but also to become the first African American President of the United States. Heroes can also be small children with big hearts. Many young children believe that they have no power or say in the world but look at other children who have made a difference in the world which can change their perspectives from “We’re too small, we’re nobody” (Anonymous) to “It’s possible for small people to make a difference in this world” (Anonymous). Overall it is necessary for our society to have heroes because without them dreams would be forgotten and nobody would have their own distinct personalities. Heroes are role models that encourage people to take a stand and inspire others to make their dreams come true by setting good examples through the media, making a difference by making history which changes how we live today in a drastic way, and by showing others that there are endless possibilities when you set your mind to something. Our world would not be as unique and exciting without the people who have shaped our society in such a creative way. Heroes make too big of an impact on this world and the people in it that our society would no longer be able to carry out the drastic changes in our world. Women wouldn’t have rights, only white people would be allowed to sit down on the buses, and the United States of America would not have an African American President. A true hero can inspire an individual while inspiring the world. A hero can also accomplish inspiration while being inspired by another. Heroes have and will continue to shape society as time goes on.