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American Culture and Heroes

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American Culture and Heroes
American Culture and Heroes

American Culture and Heroes
Heroes are not men with capes or super powers as they are portrayed in American culture today. Heroes are people who transform compassion (a personal virtue) into heroic action (a civic virtue). In doing so, they put their best selves forward in service to humanity. A hero is as an individual or a network of people that take action on behalf of others in need, or in defense of integrity or a moral cause. Heroes are people who transform compassion (a personal virtue) into heroic action (a civic virtue). In doing so, they put their best selves forward in service to humanity. A hero is as an individual or a network of people that take action on behalf of others in need, or in defense of integrity or a moral cause. Mike Dilbeck, www.raproject.org, Response Ability Project, 2012
The Oxford American College Dictionary, (2002), e-book Ashford University Library, says that a hero is “a person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualifications.” A firefighter, police officer and a soldier (man or woman) would fall under this description of a hero. Arthur Ashe said it best. "True heroism is remarkably sober, very un-dramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others
at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." Characteristics of a hero are: 1. Courage: A hero overcomes his fears and takes a challenge head on. There is not even a twinge of fear in the heroes heart. 2. Virtuosity: The key aspect of a hero’s character. 3. Sacrifice: A quality that is unique from other virtues. A hero is willing to let personal comforts become indispensable for the higher cause and welfare of others. 4. Determination: The hero is unflinching in his or her determination and believes in his ability. 5. Focus: One of the most prominent qualities of a hero. They are put on this earth for one definitive motive. 6. Compassion: The true hero is empathetic, benevolent and shows



References: Hall, Alice, Viewers’ Perceptions of Reality Programs, Communication Quarterly Vol. 54, No.2, May 2006, pp 191-211. Mike Dilbeck, www.raproject.org, Response Ability Project, 2012 Rassool, Naz, Literacy for Sustainable Development in the Age of Information, 1999, Ashford University Library e-book. The Oxford American College Dictionary, (2002), e-book Ashford University Library. Tyner, Kathleen R., Literacy in a Digital world. Teaching and Learning in the Age of Information. 1998, Ashford University Library. www.personalitytutor.com/qualities-of-a-hero.html

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