Celebrity and a Hero Essay Example

from the Latin word celibritatem or celebritas which signifies renown and multitude; crowded and frequented.

In 1600 “celebrity” meant the state of being famous and from 1849 it assumed new meaning that is in often use today, a famous person. The celebrity’s world is more often self-focused when compared against the hero’s. The nobility of the hero is the emphasis whenever he or she is represented; this is in contrast to the celebrity who has a more superficial focus. The irony of heroism is that the origins of the word hero actually identified the worship of a half-man and half-supernatural being (demigod), widely accepted among the Greeks who had a pantheon of gods whom they venerated.

Hero comes from the Greek words herwos and Herwa which is link to the worship of the goddess Hera, the deity of marriage who protects and defends. However, the word Heros is affiliated with the Latin seruare, which bears connotations of safeguarding or safekeeping. Seeing that Hera worship in Greek religion and mythology was so popular and drew the masses, it can be no doubt that the hero or heroine came to symbolize an individual who also attracts attention. The hero fades in and out of public attention and can often sink into obscurity after a while.

The greatest indignity against heroes is forgetting what they have done to contribute to the greater good of society and in helping men, women, and children realize their dreams or the hero protects and saves other sacrificially neglecting his or her own well-being and safety. Although popularity vacillates, the reputation of the hero is solid more likely to be

remembered since his or her actions give a more outstanding and honorable memorial of the life-if not in the lifetime, posthumously. Posthumous appreciation and respect are never endowed to simple celebrities.

There is an inherent confusion between both worlds of celebrity-hood and heroism since heroes often transform to celebrities overnight. Philanthropy, excellent achievement, and bravery are virtues which tend to be esteemed and recognized. Although deserved recognition does not happen at all times, it happens often enough to correctly identify a few hero-celebrities. Sometimes the hero may be featured so often, paraded before the public that he or she may make the decision to commercialize the developed image and capitalize on the popularity.

Another category of hero is the one who does noble acts without the expectation of financial reward or compensation and who refuses such – and refuses to set a price on beneficent deeds. Contrary to modern perception, heroism does not only mean extraordinary. Nevertheless because of the sensationalism prevalent in the media today, larger-than-life characters appear and disappear. Ordinary people are heroes in their own way. Doing something that another person would not elect to do, given a certain situation, places him or her above the peers. Moral caliber and willingness to serve others are two defining traits of the hero.

At the same time, celebrities may perform acts of charity which may be termed as heroism. However, one would question the inspiration of such actions – if it springs from a determination to be of service or to be published in the media, and enhance the self-image. In conclusion, motives are often the touchstone test which decides who

want to be a celebrity or hero. Heroism does not depend heavily on popularity or a constant following. Doing selfless acts automatically places one in the position of hero. Heroism’s main goal is not recognition but respect for one’s fellowman, whereas celebrity-hood has claims of fame, fortune, and flair.