Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Question of the Week (9/3/10) Welcome!

Welcome to World Classics!

Greetings and welcome to your WC blog. The purpose of this blog is to create a community of online writers (and readers) who share their thoughts and ideas about the texts studied in class.

Each week I will post a question(s) on the blog for you to answer. After you have answered the question thoroughly, using complete sentences, choose another classmate's response and comment on their answer. Do you agree or disagree? Have they made a valid point? Did they notice something you did not? What?
Remember: If you are the FIRST to answer the question you need NOT respond to a classmate. Each well written response is worth a total of 20 points. (See WC course expectations for more information.)

What is your definition of the word "hero"?

27 comments:

Haiti quilter said...

My definition of the world hero is someone who does something that is seen by someone as amazing. There can be so many different types of heros. Sports heros, political heros, acting heros. But those are just some of the heros that most people would think of. Heros don't have to be someone who wears capes and saves the world. A hero could be as simple as someone who helps an old person cross the street or helps a little kid do their homework. If we saw someone do one of those acts of kindness we wouldn't see those people as heros. But to the people who that person helped they could be their hero. A hero is really a role model. Someone who we look at and we might wish we could be them. They go out of their way to do nice things for others.

Carl Tischbein said...

My definition of a hero is someone who displays courage and is willing to sacrifice something for a greater cause that he believes in. When a hero sacrifices something, it is not something he would not mind being sacrificed or something he would want to be sacrificed, it must be something that they find important. The situation that they are in must be uncomfortable and challenging. The greater goal that they are fighting for can be anything they truly believe in. I think what Sophie said is true, although I don't think what the hero does has to be amazing, just for something they believe in; and the situation may not yield amazement and respect.

David Desaulniers said...

When a hero is spoken about it is usually found next to the words courage and amazing. But that's not only what the word can always mean. In fact the definition is "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities". See the courage is only one part to it. If a person has outstanding achievements or noble qualities, then they are equally as much a hero as the dude who saved a person from a fire. So I'd have to agree with both other comments since their both accurate, but they could still use a little revising.

David said...

When I think of a hero, I think of anybody who is willing to go out of their way to do something great not just for their benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. This can mean making personal sacrifices to help a good cause or doing something important that nobody else is willing to try. Heros are people who set an example for other people to live up to not out of the selfishness of the hero, but out of a desire to help other people. I often use the name Hero very lightly, as a description of anybody who acts out of a desire to make life better for other people and not just for him/herself.

Parker Gardner said...

I have two definitions of the word hero. The first definition applies to my individual heroes, the sports stars, musicians, and so on. My heroes are people who I respect, admire, and try to emulate. They stand up for what they believe, are who they aspire to be, and, possibly most importantly of all, follow their dreams. They are the people who I hold in highest esteem. My second definition of the word hero applies not necessarily to people I wish to emulate, but who are admirable and deserving of respect all the same, the nameless fireman, soldier, or doctor. These heroes are brave, selfless, and volunteer themselves and their abilities to help others. They run into burning buildings while others run away, put themselves in danger to better protect the safety of strangers, or cure the sick and ease the worries of the sick one's family. As with the previous definition, these are the people who I hold in the highest esteem. Though different, both definitions share common characteristics. Both describe people who I respect and admire. Both also describe people who I hold in the highest esteem. Finally, both describe equally heroic people for me. I agree with the majority of the content in the previous three comments. I especially think that David touched on an important piece when he showed that people can be heroes for many different reasons. Haiti also said something that I found important, which was that different people have different heroes and not everybody always shares the same heroes. I agree with Carl particularly when he describes his heroes as people who fight for what they believe in.

Parker Gardner said...

I missed the second David's comment until the page refreshed but I agree with him when he says that a hero should do what they do because the want to help others.

sam merrens said...

A hero is someone who makes it their goal to help change the lives of others for the better, even if they must sacrifice something of their own. They can do this in many different ways. For example, art, charity, service among others can greatly change the lives of people, and often require sacrifices. Art can make someone heroic if they commit themselves to a new and bold goal, oftentimes one that generates great static from critics. Charity is heroic in any amount, because when someone gives something of their own to someone else who needs it more. Service can be almost anything: military service, community service, or just being a help to anyone in need. These aren't the only things that heroes do, but I believe that they are some of the most important.

As you may have guessed, I agree very much with Carl's idea about personal sacrifice for the benefit of others being heroic. Personal sacrifice is sacrificing something very important to you, so that others can benefit. It is not, for example, giving away your carrots to a hungry schoolmate just because you don't like carrots. It is giving a needy child your favorite stuffed animal, so that they can have a toy.

Charlie Umland said...

Well, I believe that Parker had two good defenitions, and I agree that there are different types of heros. One things that all heros have in common is that they help other people. I personally see heroes as people that are selfless, they work at the benefit of others. Whether it is a sports player for a team you support that scores a goal, a police man that protects you from something, or a doctor that saves somebodys life. Anyone can be a hero they just have to try their best, and be generous, and caring. Whether they are a leader, or a follower, they can be a hero. Everyone has their own heros. I also agree with Parker when she said that heroes are respected an admired. Though many heroes arent working for the personal beneifit but the benefit of others, they are still respected and admired like Parker said.

Charlie Umland said...

oh, well i just replied to Parker but while I was writing killer wombat posted... so I agree that heroes sometimes need to sacrifice for the sake of others.

Oren said...

In my eyes a hero can be virtually anyone, but they have to have qualities and must stand for good moral values, and strive to be an ideal of generosity, or any other good trait they wish to emulate. I think that being a hero has to do more with the acts of kindness, selflessness, and and charity then about the effect they create. The perfect hero is more concerned about showing care to others than having others reciprocate, or recognize them. I agree with the definitions of Parker and especially Killer Wombat. I think that sacrifice plays a crucial role in a hero because they sacrifice for other's gain. i also think that Charlie has a very good point about heros in that they don't have to be leaders and they can be followers.
I also think that heros can be people who strive for excellence, challenge themselves, and attempt to make a positive change in this world.

Kate Kerin said...

In my opinion a hero is someone who thinks of others before he/she think of himself/herself. Heroes have a strong set of moral principles that lead them to accomplish tasks for the good of others. A hero does not expect to receive a reward for his/her actions. A hero performs good deeds to aid or support whoever needs help. I do not necessarily think of heroes as amazing athletes or celebrities who we hold in high regard. I would consider them idols instead of heroes. Idols are not always heroes because we worship idols to the point that they are almost god-like. Heroes are people who demonstrate qualities that others admire and follow.

For the most part, I agree with Charlie especially when he said that heroes work for the benefit of others. In contrast, I do not think that a sports player who scores a goal is heroic. That gives spectators joy, but it is not a completely selfless act.

Alli said...

A hero is someone who is deeply admired for who they are. They could be anyone. They don't have to be famous or well known like Cam Marshall. He started the B+ Foundation. They are someone who is willing to make a good effort to make a change. Not only do they make an effort to help their community, they also do things that can help change the world. They do a lot for at least one person and many others as well. They inspire others to do everything they can and at the best of their ability

Kate Kerin said...

I missed the post from Wilcoxof until the page refreshed. I strongly agree with his belief that heros must have strong moral values.

daniel said...

I agree when Charlie and Parker say that there are very many types of heros out there. Heros can be anyone and what they do changes there lives and others. Heros don't think about themselves but try and help others to succeed some way in there lives. A hero is someone to be admired and to be known as a good role model as haiti said and that they should be shown with great respect. Heros are the saviors of the world and without them we would become nothing.

vermonster_taft_10011010101 said...

A hero (heroine for females) (Ancient Greek: ἥρως, hḗrōs), in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion.[1] Later, hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity. This definition originally referred to martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.
Stories of heroism may serve as moral examples. In classical antiquity, hero cults—veneration of deified heroes such as Heracles, Perseus, and Achilles—played an important role in Ancient Greek religion. Politicians, ancient and modern, have employed hero worship for their own apotheosis (i.e., cult of personality).
It has been suggested in an article by Roma Chatterji[citation needed] that the hero or more generally protagonist is first and foremost a symbolic representation of the person who is experiencing the story while reading, listening or watching; thus the relevance of the hero to the individual relies a great deal on how much similarity there is between the two. The most compelling reason for the hero-as-self interpretation of stories and myths is the human inability to view the world from any perspective but a personal one. The almost universal notion of the hero or protagonist and its resulting hero identification allows us to experience stories in the only way we know how: as ourselves.
One potential drawback of the necessity[citation needed] of hero identification means that a hero is often more a combination of symbols than a representation of an actual person.[citation needed] In order to appeal to a wide range of individuals, the author often relegates the hero to a "type" of person which everyone already is or wishes themselves to be: a "good" person; a "brave" person; a "self-sacrificing" person. The most problematic result of this sort of design is the creation of a character so universal that we can all identify with somewhat, but none can identify with completely.[citation needed] In regard to the observer's personal interaction with the story, it can give the feeling of being "mostly involved," but never entirely.

Unknown said...

A stereotypical hero is someone who is brave, courageous, and well known. But a real hero is someone who is willing to help anyone who may be in need. It could be a something as substantial as saving someone's life, and it could be as little as helping a lost child. To me, a big aspect of being heroic is not wanting recognition. They are satisfied with the result of their deed. Heros are also willing to self-sacrifice to benefit others, and they deserve respect from the community.

I agree with Parker with the statement that there are two types of heros. The first is more of a childhood hero or idol, and the second is those stated above.

erbear508 said...

I think a hero is some one who isn't always perfect, but helps others. For example, Batman is a hero because although he makes mistakes, he helps others. He helps others so much that he wrong doings are "repented". A hero isn't always a masked person saving the world, it can be an everyday person who decides to make the world a better place.

Hudson Schuchman said...

I believe a hero can be anyone who simply goes out of their way and puts effort into helping someone else. I agree with David that heros often make sacrifices but I also think that often just the simple act of assisting someone who needs help. A hero doesn't have to sacrifice their own well being, just being there to help in someones time of need can make someone a hero.

erbear508 said...

I agree with Emily. Especially the fact that a hero doesn't need to be recognized. Whenever our teachers or adults are recognized or acknowledged for doing good things they just smile, they don't jump up and make a long speech about why they are the best. This is because the teachers or other adults know that the important part isn't that THEY were the ones who did it, it was that some one did it and it was important.

David said...

In my first post on my definition of a hero, I explained my thoughts but not a response to another post. So I'm commenting a second time in response to Erin. I definitely agree that Batman is a good example of a hero because he doesn't do anything for recognition, and he also keeps trying to help others even though he is imperfect and sometimes he does something wrong. I actually think being imperfect makes him more of a hero than otherwise because he is always running the risk of messing up and yet he still continues to do his best despite what the consequences for himself may be.

anthony said...

I think a hero is someone who stands up for something they beleive in. They do something because they think it is right and not because they are looking for attention. So, I think someone can be a hero whether or not they get any attention for it or even if they get negative attention for it, because that's not what it is about.

Parker said...

A hero to me is someone who really loves, and enjoys their life. A person like this is hard to come by, because we all think that something in our live is worth complaining about. We don't understand how lucky we really are. Today I was watching the news and there was an interview about the flooding in Pakistan. The journalist was Dr. Gupta and he was interviewing people in the refugee camps. All of the kids were huddled around their school books. They and their families had lost everything, but instead of crying about what they had lost, they were working on homework so they could gain knowledge. These people were real heros to me. They are living in tents with little food and water, but they are continuing to work hard. These people have nothing, and I didn't hear one complaint in the background of the refugee camp There are many people who stand up for what they believe in, and who do heroic acts and aren't acknowledged for them. I agree that these people are heros too.

Monica said...

My definition of the word hero is someone who commits an act of bravery despite fear or discomfort in order to help someone else. The obvious examples are firefighters and people in the military or the Peace Corps. People like those who ran the “safe houses” along the Underground Railroad, or the anonymous German citizens who hid Jewish families despite putting themselves in grave danger. Often when people think of “hero” they think of individuals, but heroes don’t have to be famous to have earned that title. Just as many people commit awful acts and get away with it, many people commit brave, compassionate acts that the rest of the world may never know about, but they are still heroes.
And I agree with Parker. Although the children in the entry don’t fit into my definition in a conventional way, I think that because they are overcoming extreme conditions and discomfort (having just lost all possessions and a place to live), they are still studying for themselves and their futures. In that sense I think they are heroes, even in a way that isn’t typical.

Meryl said...

My definition of a hero is someone who commits acts to help help our individuals, communities, programs, etc. I agree with Monica that a hero doesn't have to be someone famous, Alot of times a hero could be someone helping an elderly person cross the street, or seeing someone drop there money and returning it to them instead of taking it. I don't think a hero has to be an individual person. An organization can be a hero is doing stuff like picking up stray animals or teaching kids with disabilities. I also agree with Parker, I think kids are often heroes for overcoming things like that. When people are happy with what they have, even it's nothing, they are much more heroic then someone who has everything and does a heroic act I think. Also we don't take time to regonize so many of the poeple who do simple deeds in their life to help someone/something out. I think everyone is a hero in same way and we should take more time to realize that.

Marlou Taenzer said...

When I was little Harry Potter was my hero because throughout all seven books, he stuck to his beliefs even when everyone else was convinced otherwise, and fought for what he believed in, he overcame malevolent characters, and always stayed true to his friends and himself.
However we don't have to attend Hogwarts, or be a wizard to be a hero. A hero is someone who stands up for those that don't stand up for themselves. They take care of the sick, and help the poor. They help others because they can, and know it is the right thing to do. Being a hero is doing those simple tasks that Meryl mentioned above, that we forget to do and recognize on a daily basis. A hero talks for hours on the phone with their friend who is upset, they volunteer their time at a shelter or school, and hold open the door for someone who has their arms full. Being a hero can be someone who just smiles at someone they don't know and by doing so makes that person's day a little better.
Rachel Joy Scott was the first victim in the Columbine tragedy at Columbine high school on April 20, 1999. She was shot by a fellow pupil. After her death her parents found an essay that she had written for her English class. It was titled "My Ethics and My Codes for Life" in the essay she dared the reader to be kind to someone they don't know, to smile at them and ask them how their day was going, she said "who knows maybe you will start a chain reaction." Her father then created Rachel's challenge. Which today is one of the biggest anti bullying movements in the country.
To me her father is heroic, who after hearing that is daughter was shot decided to go and give speeches about her legacy. He saw the tiny ray of sunshine in what truly was a tragedy. She was a hero for embracing the simple truth, that we can all be heroic, just by being their for others.
Hero's are everywhere they are in our classrooms, on our sports teams, in the grocery store, and in our homes. I agree with Meryl that their are so many people that do simple things to help others that we don't even recognize.
I believe we can all be hero's however we need to overcome all prejudices, and sometimes rise above ourselves, and realize that we do need each other to succeed. And then hopefully everyone will understand how important the little things that we forget truly are. And that just by doing those simple things you can be heroic.

Eleanor S. said...

Heroes exemplify the best of what humans can be. Monica gave some great examples of people who stuck to their morals and went above and beyond to help others, even if it meant putting themselves at risk. They left their comfort zones and did what they knew to be the right thing rather than just following the crowd. Heroes inspire others to be more like them. For example, one person might see an athlete as a hero because of their strength and determination. For someone else, the intelligence of a Nobel-prize-winning scientist would make him or her someone to emulate. Others are inspired by people who devote their lives to charity work.
I really agree with what the first poster said about how the little acts of kindness that so often pass unnoticed are also heroic. When someone helps their friend stand up to a bully, when a teacher gives up some of their time to tutor a struggling student, or even when you invite the new kid to sit with you at lunch, you are making a difference in someone’s life. In my opinion, that is what truly makes you a hero.

anthony said...

I forgot to resopond to someone in my previous post so I would like to say that I agree with Marlou and Eleanor that someone can be a hero by bringing attention to what they beleive and inspiring others. I had not thought about it that way before when I said that I didn't think someone needed to gain any attention for what they were doing to be a hero, but I also think that you are a hero if your way of achieving a goal involves speaking out and inspiring others. As long as someone is working towards what they beleive in and not just out of selfish reasons, I think they are a hero.