What is your definition of "hero"?

1. 90

   Rochelle Frankposted 9 years ago

   What is your definition of "hero"?
   
   What are the qualities? Do you have an example? Is your example fictional or real?

   replyreport
2. 68

   Rod Marsdenposted 9 years ago

   My definition of a hero is someone who doesn't let fear take over. When the chips are down you can depend on them. In sport I would say Don Bradman was a hero. Bodyline scared the hell out of him but he continued to play cricket during that particular Ashes match despite the possibility of terrible injury.
   
   In war I take my hat off to Germany's Red Baron. Those World War aircraft weren't put together very well and every time you climbed into one you risked your life.
   
   Also there's Tin Legs Bader. He lost his real legs in a flying accident yet when WW2 came up he was determined to be a fighter pilot. He did better than that. He ended up with his own squadron and then he became a wing commander. Not only British but also Canadian airmen looked up to him. There's a movie about Bader 'Reach for the Sky'. Not letting a disability like not having real legs run your life takes courage. So my examples are real.

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Rochelle Frankposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I like the first sentence.
      A hero is not necessarily fearless, but can overcome fear. A "fearless" person who does something heroic, may just be demented.

      replyreport
   2. 68

      Rod Marsdenposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      If I had to go into battle I'd rather be with someone who was afraid but who would do what is required of them than some gung-ho idiot likely to get us both killed. The Red Baron and Bader had their fair share of common sense and ingenuity.

      replyreport
3. 40

   Rodricklewisposted 9 years ago

   A hero is some one who gives even when they have almost nothing.

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Rochelle Frankposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      So I guess heroes put others before themselves.

      replyreport
4. 0

   sheilamyersposted 9 years ago

   Very good question and I'm going to enjoy reading the answers people give. To me, a hero is a person who always does the right thing regardless of the consequences. Police officers and firefighters are great examples of heroes who put their lives on the line to save other people. But heroes don't have to go that far and we may not even know their names. Great foster parents, the people who work at homeless shelters, someone visiting the elderly they're not even related to, and so many more are heroes in my book. And there's a whole list of "whistleblowers" who reported the unsafe working conditions at their workplace even though they knew they'd be fired. I could go on and on.

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Rochelle Frankposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer. Some heroes are never recognized, and I think true heroes never expect recognition.

      replyreport
   2. 0

      sheilamyersposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Great point. I think most genuine heroes try to avoid the limelight.

      replyreport
5. 0

   mbuggiehposted 9 years ago

   A hero is someone who not only lets you be who you are meant to be, but supports you and encourages you as you work toward becoming and become who you are meant to be.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      sheilamyersposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Awesome definition!

      replyreport
6. 83

   annartposted 9 years ago

   To me, a hero is someone who selflessly acts when it is needed, regardless of danger or criticism, and does it because s/he feels it is right or wants to help/defend someone else.
   There are many already quoted here.  Personal heroes are often those who protect us without asking questions.  I like the definition given here regarding not allowing fear to overcome one.
   Great question!

   replyreport