Heroes never go out of style
Case in Point
By Elizabeth Leffall
The Collegian
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Everybody needs a hero. When
I say hero I’m not necessarily speaking of a man in blue tights
and a red cape, who with one call can fly around the world to save you
from an oncoming train.
I’m not referring to that personality on television that always
says the right thing and knows how to make the audience laugh by mastering
his or her script.
When I say hero, I’m referring to a human being who has somehow
made a difference in our lives.
Someone we watch or look up
to. Someone we’ve patterned our lives after or adopted certain beliefs
and perceptions from.
This weekend I watched extensive news coverage of national and local events
honoring former Civil Rights leader Mrs. Rosa Parks.
Listening to Governor Schwarzenegger, President Bush and other leaders
across the nation comment on the significance of her life, made me realize
that everyone needs a hero, everyone wants to believe in something good.
A hero is simply defined as someone who has achieved some form of greatness
and is considered honorable.
Heroes seem to pop up when individuals feel someone has broken a barrier
or withstood the odds.
Herbert Spencer, a political writer and author said, “Hero-worship
is strongest where there is least regard for human freedom.”
Mrs. Rosa Parks is a perfect example of that.
Because of the injustice towards African-Americans in the 1950s, her act
of resistance has been labeled heroic. Because her action sparked a movement
that resulted in change, she’s celebrated.
Who knows, in another part of the country at another time in history,
the results may have not been the same.
Who are my heroes? My parents. Not because they’re perfect, but
because they taught me at a young age that although they are falliable,
they will never be too old to say I’m sorry.
Who are your heroes? Just like your favorite pair of jeans, they never
go out of style.
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