Heroes

American culture has long been captivated by the concept of heroes. Influenced from blockbuster movies and best-selling books to a constant stream of hero-themed TV shows and amusement park attractions. The fascination with those who possess extraordinary abilities is what people are “attracted to”.

Whether it’s capes, tights, or both, people can’t seem to get enough of these larger-than-life characters. Showing that many people have heroes whether it is your mom,  dad, or even a famous person who one looks up to.

Today’s heroes sometimes aren't the heroes you see on TV or in your favorite movie. They can be everyday  individuals who exhibit remarkable bravery, kindness, or altruism, inspiring those around them and benefiting their communities such as doctors, nurses, firefighters, teachers, and activists. There are so many factors to what makes a modern day hero a modern day hero, but it depends on every person as well as what makes someone brave.

“My modern-day hero is Kamala Harris because she's so strong and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She doesn’t let anyone get in her way. She’s pretty, like me. She was the first woman of color to run for president, and I aspire to be like her and run for president one day. She pushed through obstacles and boundaries,” Reed Intermediate School student Marjorie Kaplan said.

Regardless if it’s someone who you look up to because of their bravery or because of their talent that they have or they hold.

“My hero is Henry David Thoreau. He wrote the book Walden, and I read that book every year when I teach it. I read it first when I was in high school and everytime I read it, it teaches me more things about how to live my life.” NHS English teacher Jacqui Kaplan said.

There are many ways to define a hero. Our understanding of heroism is often shaped by the stories we consume whether on the big screen, in comic books, or novels. This cultural framing makes it difficult to distinguish what makes the actions of an ordinary person extraordinary.

“Steve from Minecraft, Jack Black. He inspires everyone, no matter what movie he is in he’s always inspiring,” NHS juniors who wish to remain anonymous said.

It’s not uncommon to label anyone who performs a remarkable act as a hero. From military figures and athletes to political leaders and civil rights advocates, heroes can be found in every segment of society. But why do we continue to elevate these individuals? Simply put, a hero is someone who acts with courage. A hero isn’t defined by superhuman powers, exceptional intellect, or superior physical abilities. A hero is someone who recognizes a need, weighs the potential cost, and chooses to act despite personal risks—because the greater good justifies the action.

Celebrities seem to have a trend of being people's heroes. These celebrities can be taken as role models and heroes to some.

“My hero is Ash Trevino. She is my hero because she is bilingual, so she really inspires me to learn a new language. I love how she is just very inspiring. She’s always posting on social media. She is very self aware, she’s very confident. She’s not afraid to ask someone if it smells.” NHS freshman Maggie Murphy said.

Heroism isn’t rare because others cannot act heroically; it’s rare because others are unwilling to take the risks that heroes face. A military hero, for instance, risks their life to protect their comrades.

“My hero is James Charles. He is my hero because he is very inspirational with his makeup and all his outfits like at Coachella, and he is just very inspirational. Like, he's a very good music artist as well. He just hopped on a remix with Kevin Gates in his song, Hard For.” NHS freshman Stella Wasley said.

Parents can be seen as heroes because of their dedication to their children's well being and doing significant sacrifices making them role models and protectors. Regardless if it’s capes, tights, or both, people can’t seem to get enough of these larger-than-life characters. Showing that many people have heroes weather it it is your mom or your dad or a famous person who one looks up to.

“My mom is my biggest hero because she sacrificed her life and she needs to be here around me, she's a teacher in this school. It's really inspiring to me to see how she can turn a responsibility into a labor of love.” NHS junior Lucienne Lelievre said.