In which way can a hero be more inspirational than an icon?

MYTHS AND HEROES

Introduction:

A myth can be defined as a story about gods or heroes, it can be a popular belief or a tradition and it can be real or fictitious. It might be created in order to teach a lesson. A hero can be mythologic, anonymous, forgotten, fallen, a superhero and even a role model or an icon. A hero is admired for his achievements, his strength or his courage. He inspires.

In which way can a hero be more inspirational than an icon?

I will first talk about icons and then about heroes.

I- Icons

First of all, an icon is admired thanks to the media, to his path or because he is considered as a phenomenon.

1. Media-friendly icons

Indeed, a lot of icons are playing with the media in order to have a media coverage and to always be under the spotlight. For example, David Bowie, considered as a music legend and known for his mysterious and unique personae, revolutionized music industry which allowed him to have an impressive media coverage.

1. Influential icons

But icons can be famous and become an icon because of what they suffered from in their life. It means that some people had to struggle to overcome the obstacles of life and to never lose hope in order to succeed in their ambitions. We can think about Oprah Winfrey who was abused and molested with no one to take care of her in her childhood but who seized the opportunities to have a better life. She was able to realize her dream as she never gave up and became a self- made woman.

1. Phenomena

Finally, icons can be phenomena. That is to say they did something unachievable, they impress the people, they are very talented in their field. Usain Bolt is a good example because his breathtaking performances brought the world to a halt. Even if he is now retired, his six Olympic medals are remembered by everyone. He is considered as a sport savior going each time beyond his limits, taking up any challenges.

II- Heroes  

However, a hero inspires because he is committed to others or because he risks his life.

1. A living myth

A hero is devoting his life to improve others’ lives. He paves the way and is an example of determination. His work and achievements, which purpose is to fight for human rights mostly, are remembered for generation. M.L.K. is a hero because he fought all his life against racial segregation so he risked his life to save people’s civil rights. He paved the way for African Americans to become free and equal. We still continue to study his work and his speech still matters.

1. Risking your life

One of the main characteristics defining a hero is the fact that they are daring, they do not hesitate to risk their lives to save others. They are activists without limits. They are completely committed to the advocacy they are leading. For instance, Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani girl fighting for children’s right for education, and especially girls’ rights, despite the fact that she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman who wanted to silence her and to impose his dogma. Because she dared pursuing her human rights campaign, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a heroine.

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