I am going to talk about the concept of myths and heroes. First of all, I would like to give a definition of this notion. A myth is a fictitious story which narrates the foundations of a given community. These narratives can convey the ideals of this community and create or perpetuate inspiring heroic figures. In this case, the concept of myths and heroes then serves a more profound purpose in our culture than mere fictional stories. To illustrate this, I have chosen to focus my thoughts on people who were really intent on making this world a better place for all people, hence the link to myths with a character embodying an idea. So, I was wondering to what extent do myths represent society’s values and how do heroes fit in those societies? Aiming at answering this issue, I will exhibit the life of two people, who were living in the USA back in the 1950’s.
First and foremost, one cannot deny that society is based on founding myths; a collective identity forged around common landmarks and shared values. As elsewhere, but even more in the USA back then. You’re probably thinking: What does it have to do with a character? (the actual question is what does the first sentence in this paragraph have to do with the point you had started illustrating) He’s talking about society! As a matter of fact, we have seen two different examples during class. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Both of them were heroes, fighting against racism, which was, back then, a popular belief embodying the ideals and institutions of their society. Consequently, a myth ! They, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, represented the fight against racial segregation in the USA which wasn’t unusual during their time. Nevertheless, they managed to do something about it. Even though they lived in this society, embodying the ideals of this popular belief, which came from the Pilgrim Fathers: an understanding we got from another document we studied class as well.
Rosa Parks was the first to launched this “revolutionary without violence current” against racial segregation. She showed extreme courage and bravery regarding the context she was in decades ago when she refused to give up her seat for a white guy. She fought injustice among the society and tried to change the ideals regarding black people. She was serving a more profound purpose than just herself and this is why she can be referred to as a hero.
During class, we have studied the speech “I have a dream ..." which was given by Martin Luther King. He is a relevant illustration of the notion of heroes as it shows how a single man has changed people’s minds. Indeed he put an end to decades of racial segregation and allowed the creation of the “civil rights act” or even “voting rights act “. "I have a dream ..." A dream that was similar to Gandhi and Mandela. Struggling for equality among peoples, blacks voting, and this, without violence. It really shows that a single man or woman can change the ideas and ideals of a community. They are both examples of heroes who endorse egalitarianism to fulfill our dreams.
To put it in a nutshell, I think that myths represent society’s values in a way that it has a great impact on us(not sure of the meaning intended has been brought out: revise it.), for example with the 1950 USA society, regarding racism or segregation. In our modern society, racism isn’t as intense as in the older society, thanks to people like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Mandela, or whoever that is (delete ). It seems that heroes influence the society and as a result they influence myths by their commitment to defend and promote honorable values. Thanks to their prominent presence, they act as role models for the rest of the society. However, even if you may get some inspiration from mystical stories and iconic figures, in the end you will have to face reality and be aware of the imperfection of mankind. In this way, we could also regard racism as still being present in our world. (Avoid jumping from one point to another. Ensure your article has a good flow)
