Webster’s defines a hero as, " a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities: one that shows great courage." I'm not saying that Mr. Webster is wrong, but I think he is off just a little. A hero isn't just someone that shows great courage, or has legendary strength, a hero can be those things, but I think a hero would be somebody who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Soldiers, fireman, policeman, teachers, even everyday people like family and friends. While I was thinking about what I consider to be a hero I decided to ask around and see what other people considered to be heroes. I received the obvious collection of super heroes, and I received actual people the most common of which was Barack Obama. Now not to take anything away from the guy, he is no hero. I asked people why they thought he was a hero, and most said because he is the first black president, great so how does that help anyone with their problems. George Washington was the first president of the country does that make him a hero? No. his battlefield exploits and leadership is what made him a hero. I took issue with the fact that his race made him hero in so many people’s eyes, but in a way he is a real hero. President Obama has two little daughters who probably look up to him more than anybody but their mother, I'm assuming they have equal respect for both parents, but parents are possibly the most important people in our lives, for most people and not always both parents. Parents don't have super powers, or cool gadgets, or even cool villains to fight, but they are always there for you. While looking at what my friends had to say I came across possibly the most simple and best definition and example of a hero. My friend said that her father is a hero, not because he has super powers or because he did something that made the news. She said he is her hero because he took care of her when her parents got divorced and because he has done everything in his power to help her through life. Did he ask for an award? No. Did he write to the paper to have an article about him? No. He didn’t even ask anything in return from his daughter, he did it because he loved her, and went beyond his legal obligations as a parent simply because he loved her and wanted her to be safe. This truly defines a hero, somebody who does for other out of love rather than for monetary gain, or publicity, or for anything in return. Now does Sammy fit that role, no because he chose to act in a "heroic" manner because he saw a gain for himself rather than for anyone else and expected recognition for it. Now just to clear something up, I know teachers, soldiers, fireman, and policemen get paychecks from the taxpayers, but they do not make nearly enough for what they contribute to society and they choose to do these jobs anyway, and that demands the respect of everyone.
