In: Psychology
Many stories, whether from the oral tradition of the past, literary works of fiction or nonfiction from any time period, or current blockbuster movies follow the story of a Hero/Heroine. The story usually presents challenges faced by the individual with the idea that overcoming adversity defines them as hero/heroine and perhaps persuades us to think differently.
Please write 8-10 sentences about an individual, real or fictional, that YOU feel is a Hero/Heroine in some way. Why are they heroic, what about them do you like, do they inspire you in some way?
Do you feel that we as humans share a universal desire for a Hero/Heroine?
Answer.
The belief in a hero identity is only a subject of fictional or mythic writings and legends. Societies across the world invest certain emotional energy in maintaining a belief in the presence of a hero/ heroine. A hero therefore defines the moral values of helping others and of a communion because heroes save or improve lives and because heroes are inspiring and they provide a collective resource to healing from psychological ills.
In this sense, heroes do not necessarily have to possess extraordinary qualities. Rather, common people can often show heroic displays. For instance, in my neighbourhood, a young school girl is recognised by me and other residents as a very kind and generous person as she looks after stray animals day after day. Jerssey as she is known, moved into our block 3 years ago. Ever since then, we always find this little girl surrounded by kittens in need of some food and dogs who follow her affectionately. She is often spotted on the street carrying an empty bowl and milk cartons to feed the hungry abandoned dogs. While she herself appears to be at a very vulnerable age, her perseverance in reaching out to the animals and caring for them consistently is rather heroic in nature as she encourages us to transform ourselves for the better as well. In a certain sense, Jesse then enumerates the category of an everyday hero who calls us to become heroes and help others.