Identifying Heroic Traits - Essay Example

Identifying Heroic Traits It is difficult to define the term “hero”. This is because heroism is not static and typically corresponds with changes within society and those changes can occur from one generation to another. Societies are subject to fluctuating standards, strengths, crisis, weaknesses and ethics, each of which influences perceptions of what makes or unmakes a hero. Even so common characteristics have transcended the times and are identified as heroic traits. Among the most common characteristics that have survived changing times, trends and standards are fortitude, nobility, sacrifice, courage and bravado. Ideally, a hero is someone who rises above adversity or faces dangerous situations with valor and courage. In the face of danger and adversity, the courageous actor is willing to be self-sacrificing for the greater good. In this regard, the true meaning of the term hero is one who is distinguished by bravado and near superhuman will to help others in distress at his or her own expense. In the late 19th century Carlyle provides a common understanding of what makes a hero. He writes: They are the leaders of men, these great ones; the modelers, patterns, and in a wide sense creators, of whatsoever the general mass of men contrived to do or attain (Carlyle 1). Contemporary heroes however, challenge the true meaning of the term hero. Quite often we canonize people for athleticism, beauty, celebrity status, wealth and a number of other qualities that have little or nothing to do with valor, courage, strength or sacrifice. In this regard, today’s hero rarely possesses any of the qualities and strengths associated with heroism in its true form. One of the most endearing attractions to heroes is the thought that the individual can believe that heroism resides in each of us and we might, if we try, successfully emulate our heroes. However, with today’s assignations of heroism it is entirely impossible to be inspired. It is impossible to emulate wealth, beauty, athleticism or celebrity. On the other hand it is possible to emulate bravado, valor, courage and strength. So to this end, today’s heroes, rather than inspire positive feelings, discourage individuals and leave them feeling inadequate and entirely unsuccessful. The truth of the matter is that today, it simply enough to be famous or popular to attain the status of heroism. It has been argued by media observers that today’s youth culture is greatly influenced by media images and representations of heroes. For the most part many of these token heroes are not worthy role models. Essentially, that the media’s representation of heroism leaves an impression on young people. It is hardly surprising that in light of the media’s over-glorification of athletes and celebrities that many young people cultivate dreams of emulating these media-hyped “heroes”. One need only watch TV, read magazines and newspapers or go on line to see that the media creates heroes out of persons of wealth, celebrity status, athleticism and beauty, he refers to a survey conducted in junior high school and a high school. The common consensus is that all that is necessary to achieve hero status today is celebrity status which quite commonly comes about as a result of athleticism, beauty, acting, singing and modeling. In this regard it can be argued that today’s hero uses the world to rise to popularity and celebrity status and the media represents these individual as heroes when they possess very little, if any of the attributes associated with the true heroic figure. Past heroes have nothing at all in common with today’s heroes, although even past generations and eras have changed the definition and attitudes toward heroism. In Greek mythology for instance the status of heroism was reserved for godlike figures. However, this concept of heroism gradually transformed so that the hero was associated with characters who confront danger and adversity in general for the common good by self-sacrificing deeds with valor, strength and courage. Heroic feats were often associated with exemplary morals and often stood as role models for the average citizens. Unlike today’s heroes who become heroic just because they are popular, the heroes of yesteryear became popular because they were heroic. Heroes of the past saved the world, unlike today’s current heroes who use the world to achieve popularity and validity. Past heroes provide the best example of the manner in which true heroes came to be identified. Jeanne d’Arc who lead France into battle despite all odds and ended up giving her life for what she truly believed is an heroic figures replete with the attributes of a true hero. Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. was hailed as the hero of the civil rights movement and sacrificed his life for the cause. The founding fathers who stood up to the imperial powers of Great Britain and propelled the US toward independence are hailed as heroes. Many female figures who led the suffrage movement and obtained equal rights for women against all odds are likewise heroes that comport with the true meaning to the word hero. Helen Keller, the blind and mute woman who learned to read, write and communicate is also a hero in that she inspired valor and courage in the meekest of human beings. Heroism which evolved to mean putting one’s own life on the line and defending societies and individuals grew out of the character and content of war. In other words, heroism invoked survivorship instincts in the courageous and those endowed with the moral fortitude to sacrifice life and limb for the sake of the greater good. Thus, heroism ideology evolved from a specific and special type of war mentality. As a result it was possible for a large number of persons to be hailed as heroes as the numbers of men going into battle were by definition endowed with the traits of heroism. As time went by and man engaged in less conflicts, the number of heroes were reduced but the range of courageous acts obviously increased. The focus came away from the battlefield toward societal and political interests. As a result the opportunities for obtaining heroic status increased as the number of issues in society increased. However, these issues were typically challenged by precious few who were able to propel changes on behalf of the majority in a variety of ways and on a wide variety of issues. Therefore the increase in issues within society gave rise to an increase in acts of courage and thereby an increase in the number of heroic acts. Even so, propelling mere community development and change does not necessarily result in the creation and development of a hero. Despite the evolution of heroism and the emphasis on community action, the action and the cause had to be distinguished from the incidents of natural change and development. Some measure of danger or adversity had to pose a specific threat to those who challenged it and took action for the greater good of the community at great expense to the actor. Even so, today’s hero is not required to possess any of the characteristics of the true hero. All that is necessary is public attention driven by media influences. In this regard, unlike heroes of the past, today’s heroes are possessed of none of the attributes of true heroism. Bibliography Carlyle, T. On Heroes, Hero-worship and the Heroic in History. Echo Library, 2007. Read More