The Word “Hero” Has Had Many Misunderstandings in Today’s World

The word “Hero” has had many misunderstandings in today’s world. When the word ‘hero’ is spoken, everyone has different thoughts. To many a “hero” is a superhero or whatnot. Yet again, Heroes are role models and they’re people that we look up too. Common connotations of the word “hero” can include such as courageous, idol, or superstar. The word “hero” has a lot of positive connotations while it has its negative connotations as well. Hero may mean a lot of things, so therefore there are associations that give hero that deeper meaning.

Legend, Superhero are just a few that makes “hero” dig deeper thought. We may also desire to possess them in order to gain hero status by way of a kindred association.

Linda Seger’s article, “Creating the Myth” shows the ten steps of how heroes can come from being a normal person to the hero at the end of the day. At first the hero may begin as an ordinary person innocent, young and humble.

As Seger says, “The journey towards heroism is a process, (Seger 328). Seger enlightens the audience by explaining step by step what a heroic myth is and what components make those myths so heroic. Seger tells us at the beginning of the article that all great films have a hero myth behind them such as “Star Wars” character Luke Skywalker. The article in a nutshell is Seger mentioning the successful screen plays where heroes are involved, and types of heroes in the stories.

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The word seems to have multiple meanings and dissociations, while the reader may not know the difference once came upon.

A hero can be someone such as a “superhero” someone that has special powers or someone that you may admire. As Seger states “In most hero stories, the hero is introduced in ordinary surroundings, in a mundane world, doing mundane things.” (Seger 328). A hero is someone who we admire or idolize. The word ‘hero’ is far too often applied these days without much thought. For example, after the 9/11 attacks Pro Baseball player Sammy Sosa carried the American flag as he rounded the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It was the Cubs’ first home game since the terrorist attacks Sept. 11. Another example where the word “hero” is applied is, Jaden Smith helping out Flint, Michigan. Flint started having a water crisis back in 2014 when all their water got contaminated by the Detroit River. Jaden Smith helped install a water filtration system that can clean up to 10 gallons of water at once for families. Years had passed by and no solution had happened. Jaden took matters into his own hand and introduced his Water Box non-profit brand.

There may be numerous amounts of definitions online to what many believe “hero” defines. The way Derrida describes “différance” and “difference” as two different meanings makes you realize what other word may have other meanings. Other meanings of the word include “The chief male character in a book, play, or movie, who is typically identified with good qualities, and with whom the reader is expected to sympathize” and “A person of superhuman qualities and often semi-divine origin, in particular one whose exploits were the subject of ancient Greek myths.” Someone can hear the word hero and instantly think of superman or any other superhero, while someone else may think of a family member or someone they truly admire. For Example, Jackie Robinson is a great example of a hero. He changed the game of baseball till this day. He was no superhero, he was an ordinary young man just trying to live his dream. He changed the African American community; he overcame criticism. He broke down the so called “color barrier” in modern era sports.

Many people prefer to listen to what goes on in the media rather than what they are taught. Many believe the media is much more credible than what a friend or family member may say. For Example, Sully Sullenberger landed a U.S. Airways flight in the Hudson River in New York City that was disabled after hitting a flock of Canadian geese. He was called a national hero after all 155 of the passengers and crew survived. Sullenberger will no doubt be considered a hero in many eyes, because more than likely all 155 passengers would have died of drowning or hypothermia if he had not managed to land the plane safely in the river. On the other hand, our brains often do not notice key words that can change the whole meaning of a sentence. Knowing the meaning before learning a deeper meaning of a word may be difficult since the word is not changing.

In conclusion, the idea of “difference” regarding the meaning of the word affects the exhibition of modern ideas, expectations and understandings. Knowing the word you have chosen may have double meanings may be a bit difficult to comprehend the definition you’re looking for. Our brains often do not even notice key words that can change the whole meaning of a sentence. Someone can hear the word hero and instantly think of superman or any other superhero, while someone else may think of a family member or someone they truly admire. Personally, the word hero to me means someone you look up to. My dad has been a great role model in my life. He does not have superpowers nor do other people see him as their hero. At the end of the day, you get to decide what meaning you believe that word means to you.