What Makes Someone A Hero: Analysis Of Heroes In Different Aspects

Throughout a person’s life, people come and go, but those who perform acts of courage through benevolence are remembered. Upon hearing the word “hero”, people tend to think of and consider classic comic book personas or even celebrities. Although these figures fit the descriptions of traditionally valued heroes, a hero can also be defined as someone who simply contributes to the well-being and betterment of a community. The perception of a hero differs from person to person, but the true essence in what determines a hero lies in their unique qualities they possess to positively impact a population and its surroundings.

A true hero always tends to cast off their personal comforts for the welfare of others no matter the consequences. On June 1989, Chinese tanks pushed into Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing to shoot and kill student protestors who were pro-democracy and called for the resignation of Chinese Communist Party leaders. As the tanks moved in, a man known as “Tank Man”, came out of the crowd and stepped in front of the tanks. He continued to stand in their way as they tried to maneuver around him. Soon, two men forcibly removed him from their path. The confrontation became one of the most iconic images throughout the pro-democracy protests that occurred during the Communist China era. This mysterious man’s heroic actions urged others to fight for democracy and the courage to stand up for the greater good. According to many photographs and videos, the man held shopping bags which implies that an ordinary person, who did not plan on making such an impact on history, stepped up and did what no one else would have done. Unfortunately, the images of his heroic actions are actually banned by China’s Communist regime because of his impact and not many people know of his heroism. Having perseverance allows a person to seek a goal despite its obstacles. Despite encountering failure, heroes become so determined to fight through it.

Jackie Robinson was the very first African American to play baseball in the major leagues on April 15, 1947. During the 1900s, blacks and whites lived totally different lives due to their separation between skin color ranging from daily activities such as eating in a restaurant, bathrooms, drinking from a water fountain, etc. This made it very difficult for the different racial groups to get along, which made Robinson’s journey heroic. During his first season in the major leagues, Robinson received thousands of racial comments from opposing teams and fans, and also from some of his own teammates. Some hotels refused to let him stay. City officials would occasionally not let his team play in the city because they had an African American on the team. This process to become a pro seemed nearly impossible, but Robinson’s decisiveness allowed him to impress those who doubted and despised him. Even with all the taunting and threats, Robinson never gave up and continued to outperform many of the experienced players. He channeled all his anger from the threats he received to his performance. Many view Robinson as an extraordinary figure when it comes to sports because he paved the way to the MLB for African Americans. Due to his bravery and determination, people will always see him as a true hero in baseball history. True leaders always put others before themselves doing so without any expectation of payback and keeping aside thoughts that revolve around themselves.

Muhammad Ali became a hero to many, not just because of his amazing boxing talents, but also because of his refusal to be inducted into the U. S. Army. With the U. S. at war with Vietnam, Ali refused to join the army because according to one of his famous quotes, “He ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong. ” Ali stood up to even the army to show that he would not serve a nation who did not respect him, the people of his color, and his religion. Ali faced many crucial consequences such as being stripped of his heavyweight title, convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10, 000 and banned from boxing for three years. However, his case was appealed and the Supreme Court overturned his convictions, so he returned to his passion of boxing. This not only proves that Ali remained faithful to his religion, but that it became his responsibility to.

In all the efforts heroes take, honesty earns the respect of others and helps lead the followers to the desired goal. Martin Luther King Jr. , one of the most prominent leaders our nation has ever seen, took major steps towards creating a nation where men and women were treated equally by resisting passively. King developed a great concern for all victims of injustice, which brought his attention to the lack of civil rights for African Americans during the 1900s. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks got arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus. King swooped in to lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott which lasted 381 days and later convinced the Supreme Court to rule segregated seating on public buses unconstitutional in November 1956. Although beaten and put into jail many times, he still refused to stop fighting for the people. King also worked with others to organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; where his prominent “I Have A Dream” speech first delivered. His speech stands as a symbol toward freedom for all and how he wants equality. The passing of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 enacted many of the rights King fought for into the law. King’s perseverance and sacrifices he has made while remaining faithful to his morals of non-violence allowed others to think highly of him even to this day.

Everything considered, what makes someone a hero does not necessarily depend on the adoration of their actions, but rather on the goodness of their influence. The accomplishments of those such as the Tank Man, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King Jr. show that the makings of true heroes lie in the intentions of the heart. Heroes mean so much more than just people who simply dress in capes and have super powers; they are the liberators of humanity whose endeavors improve the lives of those around them.