Since time immemorial, societies have sought out and celebrated hero models. They serve as a morale booster, while simultaneously setting the standard to which ordinary citizens can strive towards. In Greek mythology, a hero was typically defined as a man, often of divine ancestry, who is gifted with great courage and strength, but whose main role in life is to act as the protector of the people. Throughout history, however, the meaning of hero has evolved. Nowadays, it is quite common for individuals to become heroes for displaying certain specific traits, such as bravery, perseverance, or even just intelligence.
These new heros, who are often celebrities from the world of film, sports, reality and comic books, singers or other individuals that are unrestricted by moral standards, are adored by many young people for substantiating an increasingly popular belief system – that good fortune, wealth and success can be obtained by anyone that has the right talent, hard work and personality. The question is whether or not this new definition of hero has the power to inspire individuals in a positive way, or whether or not it just reinforces a flawed philosophy.
To answer this question, the following article will explore some of the most prominent examples of modern day heroes and examine what it is that makes them so admired by society. It will also address the reason why heros have always been so influential in a society’s culture and how this may change in the future.
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