Superpowers to Super People: What Makes a Hero?

L. Walker

English 103

12 August 2007

Superpowers to Super People: What Makes a Hero?

When most people think of a hero, they think of a muscular man dressed in a costume that rescues a million people a day. I have many Disney movies, fairy tale books, and even a dictionary that confirms this thought. My copy of Webster's Dictionary defines a hero as a figure in mythology and legend renowned for exceptional courage and strength ("hero"). Contrary to this definition, I believe heroes can exist both inside and outside of the mythological world. The different types of heroes I have come to recognize include superheroes, national heroes, professional heroes, and everyday heroes.

Even though a superhero only exists in the fantasy world, he is, nevertheless, valuable to the real world. The first time most children learn the definition of the word hero is from fantasy figures such as Superman, Spiderman, or the X-Men. These men are heroes not only for their supernatural power, but for the way they use that power. When Clark Ken realized his extraordinary powers, he made a decision to use his powers for truth, justice, and the American way. Only then did he become Superman. With all the powers he had, he could have made money being an athlete, scientist, or even ruler of the world but instead he chose to use his powers to help protect the people on Earth. Superman is a superhero because he uses his abilities to help people instead of terrorizing them like his nemesis, Lex Luther. These fantasy heroes help children understand how one courageous person can use their natural powers to change the world.

A national hero can be defined as one who saved or bettered a nation. To me, a person who is the definition of a national hero is Martin Luther King, Jr. During a time when the Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow Laws, and other racial discrimination segregated America, King fought to bring equality for African Americans. He was a leader and a fighter, but he never used his physical strength to fight anyone. It was his voice and mind that made him a hero. President Reagan explained, "The man whose words and deeds stirred our nation to the very depths of its soul was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." (Reagan). It was Dr. King's voice that rang out loudly, clearly, and peacefully to call for an end to discrimination. Through non-violent methods such as speeches, boycotts, marches, and sit-ins, King established his reputation as a hero in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world. As President Ronald Reagan said, "America is a more democratic nation, a more just nation, a more peaceful nation because Martin Luther King, Jr." (Reagan). I believe the lifetime achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. express that a normal person can become a national hero by using their mind and their voice, not their physical strength, to better the nation.

A professional hero is someone whose profession it is to save lives. Policemen, firefighters, paramedics, and doctors are among the heroes that are trained and compensated to help others. A