essay about heroism in our present society

The time has come to change our model of heroism

Heroes are not just mythical creatures

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Does modern society still have heroes?

While I was writing The Compass of Success , I asked around 200 people this question, and one thing surprised me about the answers.

To start with, everyone talked about famous actors or singers, athletes, or TV personalities, yet very few people brought up politicians or cultural figures such as writers or artists. But when the question changed to "Who are your heroes," all the answers changed too.

Lots of people mentioned a parent and many more said a grandparent, a teacher from the past, an old friend or a colleague. So basically the responses shifted from the spotlight of publicity to the true light of reason, the light of the heart.

It’s as if we accept a model of an empty, artificial model of heroism, but in our hearts we reserve a place for a person who’s dear to us, someone who may not ever be famous, as our personal hero.

Narcissism to courage

So I think we need to reconsider our role models to reprogram who we want to emulate: people we respect because of their ethical values and morals, not based on how many followers they have on social media, or how much they earned from the umpteenth display of narcissism on TV. So what are the criteria for choosing our heroes?

Heroes have the courage of their convictions . In other words, these people are consumed by their ideals; they’ve been imprisoned or even killed for what they believe in. Does that mean we have to follow the same path? Heroic as it may be, it certainly isn’t very appealing. But I’m convinced that we are all potentially heroes.

A hero is that middle-aged man who loses his job, and along with it his identity, yet he has the willpower to get back in the game, starting all over again from scratch, with dignity, until he makes it. A hero is that single mother, widowed or divorced, driven by a strong sense of responsibility, who manages to go on, day after day, so she can provide a brighter future for her kids. Heroes are young people fighting to get a job, or to stay in school, or to open a business or a start-up, despite an unemployment rate that strikes fear in their hearts.

Heroes are those workers who break their backs for a decent wage, working the night shift, taking the same tram for 30 years every morning at five. They are the cleaners who diligently do their job before 8 am and after 8 pm so we find our offices clean and tidy. Heroes are those immigrants who come from faraway places, and who perform menial tasks with pride, even though they’re qualified as lawyers or teachers in their home countries; they send their families everything they earn. Heroes are adopted children who were abandoned at birth, or children whose parents are divorced, yet they manage to keep their faith in adults, in their love, in life. Heroes are the social or religious workers who help the disenfranchised, the forgotten, the invisible.

Heroes are doctors, professors, judges, nurses, police officers who take responsibility for our health, our safety, the education of others, often for a modest salary. They are entrepreneurs who manage to run their companies and provide jobs for people who deserve to work, often despite endless bureaucratic headaches, or in some cases threats from organized crime rings. Heroes are survivors of terrible tragedies who strive to help others who share a similar destiny, teaching them that they too can overcome hard times. They are journalists or artists who use their art and knowledge to tell a story, to shine a light, to serve and encourage others.

Daily dignity

Heroes are people who protect our environment and our artistic treasures from unscrupulous opportunists. They are retired people who get miserly pensions after 40 years of work, but still manage to live with dignity and dedicate themselves to being grandparents. Heroes are people who walk through life on their own paths with their heads held high, without giving up their self-respect or their identity, despite the discrimination they suffer because of their sexual, religious, racial or political preferences. Heroes are the people who don’t accept exploitation, organized crime, corruption, scams, or games where the rules are rigged against those who deserve to win. They are people who volunteer their time to help neglected seniors, exploited women, forgotten children, convicts, prostitutes, and people who are all alone.

The time has come to change our model of heroism. This means that being a hero is no longer a mythical classification reserved for super heroes in comic books, or a few legendary men and women, or worse still, peacocks who spend all their time strutting in front of the mirror or under the spotlight. Instead, being a hero becomes a way of life: we don’t need heroic acts, but daily dignity. Our work becomes not just a job, but our most profound and authentic identity.

I’m convinced that you’re a hero too, or you’re about to turn into one.

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Modern-Day Heroes in Society Essay

Introduction, characteristics and journey of a hero, modern-day heroes, works cited.

Who is your hero? Most people when presented with a scenario to answer this question would think of a selfless character that braved the odds and rescued a situation that was getting out of hand. A hero is a person who is well-liked due to their successes and noble characteristics (The hero).

The likes of Martin Luther King Junior who advocated for equality among all races, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai who was buried in a papyrus casket for her love of nature, Clara Barton-an American activist; who risked her life on the battlefields of the Civil War to start the Red Cross and Oedipus of the Greek myths are all considered heroes by lots of people.

Although the heroes are understood differently among individuals, they are ordinary persons who posses more or less similar characteristics and could be anybody whose actions touch another person’s life.

Irrespective of gender, culture or traditions from which they are depicted, heroes possess some common characteristics. Although a hero could possibly possess all the five characteristics shared by heroism outlined by Miriam Polster (2-5), some could be more evident and overshadow others. Heroes and Heroines have respect for human life; they believe in the sanctity of life and often risk their lives for other’s sake. They have faith in the effectiveness of their choices and would pursue them in spite of opposition and criticism they may face.

They possess an original perspective and are not forced to accept and conform to agreements as they are but rather advocate for issues to be as they way should be. Heroism entails physical courage that makes one risk death and injury for other’s sake as well as mental courage that drives one not to be limited by the accepted “truths.” The acts of heroes usually may have public impacts or may impact profoundly to an individual and pass unnoticed.

The heroes usually go through a number of stages before they attain their desired destiny. Joseph Campbell (57) outlines the steps of the hero’s Journey. They reside in a normal world until they are “called to adventure” by the rise of a discovery or an event in need of help. They are faced with the task of refusing or accepting the call and enter a world of the unknown where they encounter a supernatural aid that helps them through their quest.

They require a talisman and a helper along the way for success. They go through a series of tests that strengthen and prepare them for the final hurdle. The heroes finally encounter the supreme ordeal, pass it successfully and are finally rewarded for the hard toil. Their success changes their lives and the lives of those around them and are stand qualified e.g. for marriage, Kingship or Queen ship.

Today the definition of the hero above as “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability” is long fading into history (Thomson 116-117). The meaning of a hero has changed and depends entirely on the time and reason for which one is considered a hero and parallel to the advancement of society, religion and politics to suit the wishes of those involved.

This is because the characters of people have changed; people no longer live in those old days where societal rules were rigid and leadership hereditary. People strive to do good and those who take the task to the extreme end are considered heroes or do-gooders (Moore 2). “Social entrepreneurs” as are commonly referred to are less interested in their success but rather on changing the system as a whole.

Today extreme do-gooders focus their attention to environmental protection, improving the education of a child and eradication of poverty and diseases from the face of the earth. They are pleased to do good even though their actions may negatively affect them. A good example is that of the late professor Wangari Maathai from Kenya who advocated for environmental protection through a worldwide program “the Green Belt Movement” for planting trees in deforested zones and lost her parliamentary seat in the process.

She however won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize becoming the first Woman in East and Central Africa to win the prestigious award. Another example is by Erick Brockovich, a legal secretary who dedicated her efforts in petitioning against a service company for polluting a source of water for a community.

Heroes have tales of adventure written against their names and an audience to listen to them; however they go past the usual fame and celebrity status (Tollefson 1). They are people who dedicate themselves to simplifying tasks for others and live lives that others strive to emulate by setting standards not achievable by the common man yet encourage him to pursue.

Heroes envision positive change and work towards it. Each person is faced with the same difficulties and the path they choose to follow in making their journey unrivaled is always different. People should be well aware of the mission of their journeys to successfully accomplish it and emerge as the ultimate hero.

Gone are the days when heroes were considered supernatural’s and enigmas, the future foresees a world where everyone strives to be their own hero.

Campbell, Joseph. The Hero With a Thousand Faces . Novato Calif: New World Library, 2008. Web.

Moore, Jina. “Extreme do-gooders – what makes them tick?” The Christian Science Monitor , 2009: pp. 1-2. Web.

Polster, Miriam. “Eve’s Daughters.” Gestalt Journal (2001). Web.

HelpMe: “The hero.” 2011. Web.

Thomson, Iain. “Sparks in the Darkness”: Deconstucting the Hero . Jackson: University Press of MIssissippi, 2005. pp. 116-117. Web.

Tollefson, Ted. “Is a Hero Really Nothing but a Sandwich?” Utne Reader. 1993. n. pag. Web.

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Bibliography

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Essay on Heroism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Heroism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Heroism

What is heroism.

Heroism is the act of showing courage or bravery, often in challenging or dangerous situations. It’s about doing the right thing, even if it’s hard or scary. Heroes can be everyday people who stand up for what’s right or help others in need.

Types of Heroes

Heroes come in many forms. Some are famous, like firefighters or soldiers, who risk their lives to protect others. Others are ordinary people, like a friend who stands up to a bully, or a neighbor who helps an elderly person with their groceries.

Qualities of a Hero

Heroes are brave, but they’re also kind. They think about others before themselves, and they’re willing to act even when it’s hard. They’re honest, responsible, and they never give up, no matter how tough things get.

Why Heroism Matters

Heroism is important because it inspires us to be better people. When we see someone act bravely or kindly, it makes us want to do the same. Heroes show us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

In conclusion, heroism is about more than just bravery. It’s about kindness, selflessness, and perseverance. We can all be heroes, in our own ways, by standing up for what’s right and helping others when they need it.

250 Words Essay on Heroism

Heroism is the act of showing great courage and strength. It is often linked with people who do brave things to help others, even if it means putting themselves in danger. A hero can be anyone, from a firefighter saving lives to a student standing up against bullying.

There are many types of heroes. Some are famous, like Superman or Wonder Woman, who use their special powers to fight evil. But, real-life heroes do not have superpowers. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Doctors, soldiers, and even our parents can be heroes.

Heroes have many qualities that make them special. They are brave, selfless, and always ready to help others. They don’t think twice before jumping into action, even if it means risking their own safety. They believe in doing what’s right, no matter how hard it is.

Why are Heroes Important?

Heroes are important because they inspire us. When we see someone acting bravely, it encourages us to be brave too. They show us that even in tough times, we can make a difference. Heroes remind us that we all have the power to do good.

In conclusion, heroism is about bravery, selflessness, and doing the right thing. We can all be heroes if we choose to stand up for what’s right, help others, and face our fears. So, let us try to be a hero in our own little ways and make the world a better place.

500 Words Essay on Heroism

Heroism is when a person does something brave, often risking their own safety to help others. It is not about being strong or powerful, but about showing courage and selflessness. A hero is someone who cares more about others than themselves. They are willing to face danger to protect or help someone else.

There are many types of heroes. Some are famous, like firefighters, police officers, or soldiers. These people risk their lives every day to keep us safe. But there are also everyday heroes who may not be as well-known. These could be teachers who inspire their students, doctors who save lives, or even a friend who stands up for someone being bullied.

Heroes have special qualities that make them stand out. They are brave, and not afraid to face danger. They are selfless, thinking of others before themselves. They are also kind, showing compassion and understanding to those in need. But most importantly, heroes are determined. They do not give up, even when things are tough.

Heroes in History

History is full of heroes. People like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for equal rights, or Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls’ education, are examples of heroes. They faced great danger and even risked their lives for what they believed in. Their actions have made the world a better place.

Heroes Around Us

We do not have to look far to find heroes. They are all around us. Maybe it’s a parent who works hard to provide for their family, or a friend who helps you when you’re feeling down. You might even be a hero to someone without knowing it. By showing kindness and courage, we can all be heroes in our own way.

In conclusion, heroism is about more than just being strong or brave. It’s about caring for others, standing up for what is right, and never giving up. Heroes can be anyone, from famous figures to everyday people. And the best part is, we all have the potential to be heroes. So let’s strive to be the best we can be, and maybe one day, we will be someone’s hero.

In this essay, we have learned about the meaning of heroism, the types of heroes, the qualities of a hero, heroes in history, and heroes around us. We have also learned that we all have the potential to be heroes. It is important to remember that heroism is not about being powerful, but about showing courage and selflessness. It is about caring for others and standing up for what is right. So let’s strive to be the best we can be, and maybe one day, we will be someone’s hero.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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