Changed world views of heroes today.

In what ways has the “world view” of hero changed from the Beowulf poem era to today? Cite specific examples from both the epic translation that we have read and from the Grendel excerpt that Mr. Osterhaus read, as well as your own experience. You will NOT need a quotation for this question.

In the era of Beowulf we find that a hero is one who has courage, strength, determination, bravery, loyalty, is a great leader, and more. This, however, is something that has changed from then to now. Today we have children saying that actresses/actors, professional sports players, singers, and others are their heroes. If you look deeper into the difference of these it is shocking. For example, Hannah Montana is seen as a hero to many young girls today, but what really is she heroic for? She has a talent in singing, performing, and acting. Will this save you from a creature like Grendel? I do not think so. It is almost disturbing to compare one like Hannah Montana to Beowulf. You can compare this with anyone of today that kids or even adults may consider their hero and can find about the same bizarre contrast. It makes you reconsider who you should choose to be your hero. This concept is almost as if the word hero has been changed from one who is idealized for the characteristics like bravery and courage to just a role model. Someone we look up to does not seem to be one who should be considered a hero. These people that are role models/heroes to the people of today are no better than the average person. They do minor things and get this undeserved appreciation. The ones who save the lives of others and risk their lives for people they barely know are the type of people who truly deserve our admiration. One example of a person like that today would be the firefighters, who during the 9/11 attacks gave their lives for their country and others. They are the ones that fit the depiction of a true hero. They knew the cost of what their actions may be and did it anyway for the sake of things other than themselves. Firefighters and others like them do not let you down in such a way we see these celebrities every day. The so-called heroes of today are the ones who become on the front pages of magazines who have been caught in an act of wrong doing. While yes, not all celebrities are guilty of these things, but what we see is not in any sense heroic. We should be looking for people who care for others and fit the rightful representation of a hero. I am not saying that celebrities cannot be heroes because they can be very qualified, but what we say about a person that makes them a hero is something to be careful of. Heroes are not considered heroic due to their athletic, singing, or acting ability. They are for the actions and aid they give towards others. For example, Beowulf was a hero who confided in God for what he should do. This helped him in his success completely. He wanted to help others and he fit the characteristics of a hero because of and through the way he was during those actions. To admire a person for their heroic qualities rather than gifts is what we should base our view of heroism on and not on their abilities in areas of athletics and others. One should take care in what they say a hero is and who a hero is. Always think of what the actual heroic ways are and how it is much different in contrast to a celebrity or other role model.