Heroes -- what makes them so special?

My son, Peter, doing his best superhero stance

Heroes come in all sorts and kinds. Some are strong and dynamic, others are weak yet courageous. One begins a hero and the next becomes one. Despite all these differences, heroes have many common qualities. I'd put the highest quality as courage, and then a strong ethic. Heroes strive to improve life and circumstances, whereas villains break it all down. Plus, heroes have a strong conviction of the rightness of their cause (well, so do villains, but that's another story).

 

Typically, heroes are a response to bad circumstances. They're revealed by stress and terror and become greater because of it. That's why heroes are always in terrible circumstances. In the newest Star Wars film "The Force Awakens" we are shown two heroes: Finn and Rey. Both begin as unknowns to those around them, but quickly demonstrate heroics far beyond everyone else. They drive the story forward by fighting against the villain--not that others aren't doing the same thing, but heroes actually succeed (they are heroes after all).

 

You see, heroes are meant to inspire. They are tools storytellers use to examine ideas. Heroes show who we can be if we aspire to greatness; if we don't give in or give up, if we pluck up the courage to fight. Heroes teach life lessons. We cheer and applaud heroes because we hope to find the same qualities in ourselves. They're the ultimate role models in all aspects of life. Heroes define our culture, our beliefs, our standards, and our hopes. They are paragons.

 

- M