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Heroes

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What is a hero?

Danya West
Columbia Southern University

When asking the question “What is a hero?” You will most likely get a different answer from everyone you ask; being a hero means different things to different people. A hero in my eyes, could be a traitor to some one else. It can actually be a very touchy subject to some. An obvious example would be our soldiers, fighting everyday for our freedoms. To most, these men and women are undoubtably heroes. But there was a time not long ago, that soldiers returning from Vietnam were ridiculed, and treated like traitors, because many people didn't believe in the war they were fighting. Does that make them any less a hero? I don't think so, they had no choice in the reasons for war. In the Nation of Islam, many extremists believe that those who are willing to strap themselves down with explosives, and commit suicide in public places, are the greatest form of hero. To me, that just seems absurd. I don't think it takes fighting in a war, or even taking extreme action, to be considered a hero. I like to try to see the hero in everyday people. Any one can be a hero. To me, just reaching out and making a difference in someone's life, is an act of heroism. I'm lucky enough to say that I know some of these heroes. And they have restored my faith in humanity. My friend Jason was paralyzed from the waist down 16 years ago, after a 4-wheeler accident. He was always the cool kid; handsome, smart, always had the nicest cars and prettiest girlfriend. On top of that, he was always a really nice guy, it was like people just gravitated towards him. After the accident, and long recovery, he still kept a great attitude. He found himself having a lot of “empty time” as he would say, and decided he needed find something to do, to get involved in. So, he had his van set up so he could

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