What is Heroism?

Heroism is a term that has been used for ages. We’ve seen countless movies, TV shows and real life situations where men and women are attributed this quality of heroism. But what does it truly mean? Since it is a semi recent event and one that is surly engraved in our minds, I wish to use the firefights of New York City as an example of the definition of heroism. We all remember where we were on 9/11, as our nation was brutally attacked and New York City was stunned into quick response. As the day went on and for long after we continued to hear of the bravery and heroism of the city’s firefighters and police, who rushed into the trade center even as it was collapsing. Isn’t this what heroism is? They fought through the rubble to save their fellow men and women from a cruel fate, and many did this to their own peril. There are few who would not say that their acts are anything less than heroism. But however, was this not their job as firefighters? They did get paid to do this, although one would admit, something of this magnitude did not happen ever day. We must ask ourselves what defines heroism? Must the hero have a good motivation to be heroic?

One reason this is a difficult thing to grasp is because we too often associate heroism and perfection. In storybooks and movies the hero is often portrayed with little flaws. But true heroism is not perfect. A person can perform a heroic act, making them a hero; yet have done if for selfish reasons. Police officers, who may be corrupt, cruel men in some situations, still save the lives of many citizens every day. Are they not too, heroes? I believe making a morally right decision has much to do with motivation, but heroism, the act of doing something heroic, could be separated from motivation all together. Many times heroism is done more out of instinct, then motivation. This is strange to me since naturally one’s instinct would be selfish, to look after the interest of one’s self. But heroism, many times puts self in danger. Perhaps to have the instinct to always jump to do the hard or selfless thing is a character of heroism, rather than simply exhibiting it in one or two actions.

If we apply this criteria of Heroism to Updike’s “A&P”, we find that Sammy quitting his job, was more or less based on his selfish desire to find approval with the girls, rather than take a stand against discrimination. The girls, however do not notice his act, and his intentions are never fulfilled. The question is, if an act of heroism in never seen, and the persons motivation for the act are flawed, then is it heroism at all? Surely we would argue that the firefighters who died in the trade center were not less heroic because they failed to get out, and died while attempting heroism? Herein lies the dilemma of heroism. I believe that heroism can be simply an action, and it can be made by both the commonly heroic, and the commonly corrupt.