Transcript Heroes vs. Celebrities
Anglo-Saxon Hero: Beowulf
Displays great courage through his deeds Faces overwhelming/impossible odds Death is honorable if he dies fighting for a cause In it for the glory; reputation of being well-known This is a character that Anglo Saxons idolized and worshipped
How we define heroes today…
Heroes are people who transform compassion (a personal virtue) into heroic action (a civic virtue). In doing so, they put their best selves forward in service to humanity. A hero is as an individual or a network of people that take action on behalf of others in need, or in defense of integrity or a moral cause.
Heroic action is: ◦ Engaged in voluntarily; ◦ Conducted in service to one or more people or the community as a whole; ◦ Involving a risk to physical comfort, social stature, or quality of life; and ◦ Initiated without the expectation of material gain.
Heroism is not random acts of kindness, as great as they are. Heroism is very distinct. A hero is not someone you simply admire or respect.
American Heroes
Unknown hero or the common man; real hero by definition Athletes, actors, singers who are idolized by society; pseudo hero
Heroes vs. Celebrities
Read the following article
• 1. Highlight the difference the differences between a hero and a celebrity • 2. Identify the author’s purpose: is it to entertain? Convince a reader of a belief? Inform or educate? • 3. Extended response: Why does our society idolize celebrities (singers, actors, athletes)? Why is little recognition given to the ‘common man’ like firefighters, police officers, teachers, doctors, etc…
Your challenge…
Ask five people who or what makes a hero and record (tape) his/her response.