Assignment Number
When one hears the word hero, there are perceptions of its meaning which includes personified exemplification of extraordinary skills and abilities in pursuit of endeavors that aim to improve the condition and plight of mankind. A hero is simply defined as “a person admired for bravery, great achievements, or good qualities” . The relevance of heroes in society was summed as serving “as an idealized human, a sort of "super" person, capable of dealing with problems that surpass normal humans and their abilities” (Davis, n.d., par. 9). Thus, one is convinced that heroes are actually created to address ills in society which could be not effectively solved through traditional and natural human means.
In today’s media, people have apparently designed diverse embodiment of modern hero. Accordingly, “the modern hero, it seems, does not necessarily have to be of a high estate - but rather an "ordinary person” (Tiffany, 2013, par. 12). Thus, media presents contemporary heroes through exemplary performances recognized by society: a remarkable politician, a innovative scientists, a dedicated law enforcement officer, or a serving community member. However, media, through films and movies still depict heroes through the usual characters people have revered through the years: Superman, Thor, Batman, Captain America, among others. One strongly believes that the meaning of the word hero is actually not diluted; rather, it has adapted and adjusted to the practical needs and demands of contemporary times. Since similar characterization of heroes still remain to be shown in popular films, this is evident of the fact that the meaning of the word still remains the same for society. One looks up to a person who emanates goodness, strength in character, and genuine ability to fight society’s ills and problems. Thus, the meaning and depiction in characters has evolved, but the essence remains the same.
References
Cambridge Dictionaries Online. (2013). hero. Retrieved from dictionary.cambridge.org/: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/american-english/hero
Davis, B. (n.d.). Hero: Questions and Answers. Retrieved from tatsbox.com/: http://tatsbox.com/hero/heroques.htm
Tiffany. (2013). Elements of a tragic hero in literature. Retrieved from learnhub: http://english.learnhub.com/lesson/4435-elements-of-a-tragic-hero-in-literature
