Hero: The True Hero

In today's culture, our society seems fascinated by "heroes." This simple title can move someone from beggar to king. Overtime heroes have evolved from knights, to wizards, to the modern superhero. The idea of what a hero is has been manipulated and changed. A hero isn't someone with great strength, good looks, or special abilities. A hero is a person that puts others first, who tries to stop evil, and does what is right. We shouldn't base our idea of a hero on superman or batman; we should base it on true heroes such as Mother Teresa or the ultimate hero, God.

The status of hero should be based on what you do. Everyone wants to be a famous hero. The truth is heroes don't usually gain fame or fortune. They don't set out for publicity; they try to change others' lives for the better. A hero is someone in the military that is risking their life for ungrateful people at home. A hero is someone that risks their reputation, ignores politics, and tries to stop terrorists. A hero is a parent that gives up their hopes and dreams for their child.

Age, social status, gender, and race are things people use as excuses, but these things can't stop you from doing what is right. Jesus is a hero that started as a poor, young, ridiculed Jewish boy. He did what was right his whole life. While dying on the cross he said, "Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." about the people spitting on him, torturing him, and laughing at him. This is the true definition of a hero.

Heroes may be rare, but they are still there. Look around and you will find many of them. Teachers who help students for little in return or volunteers that help complete strangers for nothing at all are two examples. A hero does not have to be recognized for his actions, he just needs to do what he knows is right.

Hero is such a strong word that has been given to fictional characters, famous athletes, and many others. We need to look past its new meaning and return the title hero to ones that truly deserve it. It is overused and has lost meaning. When someone is a hero they don't boast about what they do, they help others to make the world a better place.