Definition Essay: Heroism

Kyle LaPach
Dr. Dreyer
ENGL 1213
11 March 2013

There Is a Hero in All of Us Every day there is somebody who is performing an act of heroism. Whether it is saving a cat from a tree, or serving our country in the military, heroism can be displayed through any good deed. Even in a fictitious world, we have created “Superheroes” such as Superman, Spiderman and Batman; they protect the world from supernatural threats to mankind. I have in fact showed heroism multiple times in my life, and I am very proud of it! Heroism can be described as showing courageous action, and I think there is a little bit of heroism in everyone. Dictionary.com defines Heroism as “Heroic characteristics or qualities; courage.” I believe that this definition is correct, but can be interpreted in different ways. If a soldier shows an act of heroism by killing the enemy, the enemy considers that soldier a villain. Some good acts can be perceived as evil to others. A common act of courage can range from helping the homeless to serving in the military. According to John Cloud, "One who, in a perilous emergency, thinks with his legs." In fact, anyone can show heroism; it is up to them on what kind of hero that they want to be. There are many types of heroes in this world; two main categories are real and imaginary. Real heroism can be shown by everyday people, from a firefighter rescuing a cat from a tree, to a mom who prevents her children from doing drugs. People over history have created their own heroes. (Cloud, Par.8) Real acts of heroism can influence other people perform heroism themselves. Fictional heroism can be best depicted from superheroes fighting supernatural beings to help save the world. They still influence the real world, but luckily their foes are fictional too! Sometimes people just need a little inspiration to help out the world, even if it comes from a guy dressed up as a bat running around a city. What makes a hero? Anybody can be one; just perform any act of courage. But that is not as simple as it sounds. Try to muster up some courage when a bank is being robbed. Being a hero can be difficult at times, and it just depends on the situation to show it off. For instance, I helped watch some kids swim in a pond, and one kid went out too deep and could not swim. He started to panic and I swam out to him and brought him back to shore. Sure, anyone could have done it, but I was the only one who at the time had enough courage to go rescue that child. The time will come when everyone will have to show their true heroic side, and prove how important they are to society. I have shown heroism many times in my life. Once, my house had a small fire in it and I had quick enough senses to put it out in time to save the house. Another time was when I had caught a thief at the store I work at, and had the police arrest him. Deciding on when to act on a situation can totally change the outcome, good or bad. It just depends on whether or not acting is a good thing or bad. Sometimes not doing anything can be a good decision. Showing courage does not mean acting on a situation, it means help out in any way possible. Anybody can show heroism, even if the action is something small. From putting out fires, to shooting spider webs to catch falling cars, helping the world is the true meaning of being a hero.

Works Cited
“Heroism.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, 2013. Web. 27. 2013
Cloud, John. "The Psychology of Heroism: Why Some People Leap in Front of Bullets." CNN. Cable News Network, 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/13/health/psychology-heroism>.

Cited: “Heroism.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, 2013. Web. 27. 2013 Cloud, John. "The Psychology of Heroism: Why Some People Leap in Front of Bullets." CNN. Cable News Network, 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. &lt;http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/13/health/psychology-heroism&gt;.