“We all have the capacity to be a superhero. In order to become one, you just have to find your unique power or ability and exploit it…” – Robert Clancy. Unfortunately, people have developed misconceptions about heroes because of the persona television shows have fantasized them as. Authentic heroes are not captured in the televised box of capes, masks, and super abilities. People who are considered true heroes exhibit the ability to maintain a selfless attitude, stay determined through complications, and make essential sacrifices for the greater good.
Bonafide heroes are selfless. Heroes have vigilance about making the world a better place; they are constantly displaying a sense of concern and kindness for others. These heroes take action intentionally to improve the lives of others.
Mother Teresa dedicated her life to support the care of the poor, unprivileged and deprived people. Her selfless acts have made a lasting impact in the lives of many. “…John F.Kennedy once said,‘Don’t ask what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ This is the attitude of truly heroic leaders. They are more concerned about group successes than with hunting their own goals. Such individuals become an inspiration for others, even as they face challenges; they embrace success and earn respect.” Being selfless ultimately supports a hero in what they do.
Apart from selflessness heroes have strong determination and use it to achieve their goals, which is essentially helping the general populace. In 1955, Rosa Lee Parks in Tuskegee, Alabama refused to hand over her seat to a white passenger on an isolated Montgomery, Alabama bus. She was detained and penalized; however, her actions directed a bus boycott of a 13-month mass protest that ended with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses is unconstitutional. Heroes with determination are unstoppable not because they didn’t have failures or doubts but because they continue on despite them.” A person who quits when life gets difficult will never master simple tasks nonetheless achieve heroic ones. Determination is a critical aspect of a hero.
Furthermore, a valiant hero is someone who sacrifices something that matters to themselves in order to offer something that matters more to someone else. The great Nelson Mandela lived his life for his people, and he has been recognized as one of the greatest leaders in the world. “His willingness and enthusiasm to sacrifice for others headed a movement to unite a divided nation and bring together periods of pain and racism…he is renowned as a hero. Mandela dedicated himself to the struggle of the African people.” Being able to make sacrifices for the greater good is an attribute of a hero.
Maintaining a selfless attitude staying determined through complications, and making essential sacrifices for the greater good are principal qualities a hero must possess. It is beyond hapless that genuine heroes are often overshadowed by the televised cartoon fantasy of what a hero is. Robert Clancy suggests that being an authentic hero is within anyone’s means, it is up to each individual to make it their reality.
