Assignment: Should heroes be defined as people who say what they think when we ourselves lack the courage to say it?
My essay:
Heroes should be defined by their actions rather than their statements. One does not automatically become a hero by saying what other fear to utter. This opinion can be supported by examples from movies, books and real-life characters.
In the fictional world of Harry Potter, the Dark sorcerer, by the name of Lord Voldemort, is feared by the overwhelming majority of witches and wizards. He is depicted as such a haunting and intimidating figure, that many refrain from uttering his name. He is referred to as ‘‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’’ or ‘‘You-Know-Who’’. However, some people defy this convention and have the courage to call him by his real name. With this being said, this does not proclaim them as heroes. A hero would be a witch or wizard that openly attacks Lord Voldemort. An example is Harry Potter, who is a renowned opponent of Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter was the wizard that killed this Dark sorcerer. He is a hero that DID what others feared to do.
Another prevalent example is Batman. When the city of Gotham was under attack and on the verge of annihilation, a lot of people criticized the gruesome perpetrators. But no one dared to defend the city. No one dared to actually DO something. No one but Batman. Batman saved the city of Gotham. He, once again, DID what others feared to do. Batman, if anyone, should be declared a hero.
The last example that supports the thesis of this essay is the actions of Oskar Schindler. During Nazi Germany, Jews were massacred. Millions were killed by either over-work, starvation, diseases or immediate execution. Many Germans were against these actions. Many wanted to defend the Jews. Many criticized the Nazis. But no one did anything. Oskar Schindler was an exception. Schindler was a German who, on his own, managed to save thousands of Jews from excruciating fates. Oskar Schindler is a hero - not the ones who, only orally, went against the Nazis.
Therefore, heroes are individuals defined by their actions. Many can say things others fear, but few can do what others are intimidated by.
What do you guys think? All feedback - positive and, especially, negative - is appreciated!