Heroes: Does the Media Have It Right?

Heroes: Does the Media Have it Right?

Mary K. Lopez

ENG 122: English Composition II

Deborah Cunningham

September 26, 2013

Heroes: Does the Media Have it Right?

Who are your heroes? Are they everyday people, celebrities, sports figures or superheroes? The media has shown us heroes in many different forms but do they have it right as to who the true heroes are? Heroes are more than just characters on TV or in the movies. Heroes are people who do selfless acts for the greater good of others.  However, the media has distorted the true meaning of the word by holding celebrities and political figures in a higher regard.

According to the article by Katy Able (n.d.), there is a predictable pattern to how children choose their heroes. Older teens admire free thinkers and in adulthood we revert back to family heroes because they show that hard work and sacrifice get us where we are today (¶ 9). Children have their own reasoning as to why they pick the heroes they do. However, their heroes change based on the events in their life. One young child may choose their teacher or parent as a hero because they are helpful and caring while another child may choose a fictional character because their home life may be bad and because superheroes rescue people and keep them safe. Young children to adults choose heroes based on the events in their life which the media also plays a significant role in these choices. The media shows celebrities (sports figures, actors and musicians) and political figures in a way that makes them appear to be rescuers of misfortune. Not all of these people are what the media portrays them to be. When the celebrities and political figures use their fame and fortune for the greater good of others and think and act beyond their fame status they become real heroes.

True heroes are those who do selfless acts for the greater good of others. Whether it is a teacher who gives us the confidence to achieve our...