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Harriet Tubman Heroism

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In today’s society, our focus on the problem solvers of the nation has deviated to only the problems in need of solutions. People of our generation now treat innovative thinking with contempt, and instead of drafting resolutions to issues, they grouse about all that is amiss. They perpetuate negativity during the tumultuous events we face and renounce those who speak out against them. But truthfully, those who speak out, those who rise up, those who refuse to succumb to this notion that nothing we can do affects where we end up - they are the real heroes. These individuals strive for change, without knowledge of personal gain or reward, regardless of who respects them in society. Bringing about change, especially to a long-standing practice …show more content…

In order to be classified as such, one must perform their tasks without the promise of monetary gain or public recognition. Abolitionist Harriet Tubman not only meets this criteria, but follows “the meaning of heroism [which] has a lot to do with evolving into a higher human being” (SB pg. 64). Tubman escaped from the chains of slavery, and when given the chance to live a life a peaceful life of isolation, refused it, to help those still in bondage receive the same freedom she now had. Tubman served the public, as well elevated into a higher human being by conducting what was called the Underground Railroad, a series of safe houses organized for runaway slaves. She “freed thousands of slaves, and could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves.” By risking her life for her cause, despite uncertainty of what benefit she would derive from doing so, makes her a hero. But not all instances of this degree of heroism are planned. In fact, many acts of heroism are done quickly, in times of crisis. Such is the case for boatlift worker Vincent Ardolino. Ardolino was simply watching television when he saw footage of burning buildings crumbling to the ground on 9/11, felt “the heroic impulse...which is greater than oneself” (SB pg. 64) and rushed to evacuate those he could save by boat. Although he had no obligation to assist anyone affected by the attack, and knew nothing of any …show more content…

For example, most people today view Joan of Arc in all positive light. She is known as a warrior who led the French to victory against the British, and possibly had clairvoyant abilities. Because of her contributions to the military, “the French grew to have complete confidence in her and ignited the sense of nationalism that won the war. Her guidance united French citizens everywhere” (St. Joan Center). But in her time, the public eye was not so generous on her behalf. In Britain, she was made a prisoner, and forced to stand trial for crimes against the British army. She was then found guilty, and met a cruel fate of being burned at the stake. She has now been formally pardoned, and made a saint of the Catholic church, but not everyone agreed she was truly a martyr shortly after her death. Likewise, people dispute today over whether Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee, is a hero or a terrorist. Snowden is criminally charged with stealing and then promptly leaking private government-related details of the NSA’s inner workings to the public. After committing the crime, he fled out of the country and is currently taking refuge in Russia. Some believe that, as that is technically a felony, Snowden is nothing more than a terrorist. However, many argue that he was acting on behalf of the public when he leaked the NSA details, for they had to do with the government intervening in

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