What Is A Hero? Essay -- essays research papers

When one thinks of heroes, names such as Ghandi, Martin Luther King, and Mother Theresa often come to mind. These individuals have all helped society tremendously by dint of their determination and unselfish deeds. However, we may not notice some of societys other heroes. One such heroic person that comes to my mind is Arnold Schwarzenegger. umpteen people perceive Arnold as only a blockbuster movie star and not as the hero he truly is. People design the glittery and glamorous fascade of the actor but not the truly heroic acts of the humanitarian. Through his charity work, Arnold has truly touched the lives of those who are less fortunate.There is a growing concern in the United States, where health problems are increasing at an alarming rate. The diets of many men, women and children are unhealthy, and lead to high blood push strokes, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, and mental health problems. The poor state of Americas health is a serious concern for Arnold, and he is co nstantly striving for ways to alter it. Arnold is an advocate of health and fitness as displayed by his own lifestyle. He uses his celebrity status to showcase himself as a living example of health, which pass ons a healthy lifestyle in the general universe. The fact that a quarter of a million deaths each year can be attributed to physical inactivity (Modern Maturity) is utterly shocking. I firmly believe that Arnolds relentless motivation to educate and teach people the benefits of a healthy lifestyle can lessen these horrific numbers dramatically. Arnold was the chairman of the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and is the author of many books that promote health and fitness. Arnold began a fifty-state tour to encourage health and fitness by going to schools, meeting with governors, legislators and various community leaders. This tour took a tremendous amount of his own time and money. Nevertheless, he undertook this problem to improve the health of people he did not even know. Arnolds three goals for his tour were to improve fitness of American children by returning a regimen of daily physical activity to the school, to increase parental involvement in their childrens fitness, and to promote community based fitness programs. (Schwarzenegger) His extraordinary cause shows his genuine concern for the greate... ... a program of sports training and athletic competition for over one million kids and adults with physical and mental disadvantages. Arnold played a recognize role in developing the weightlifting program for the surplus Olympics he has worked with countless special Olympians and inspired them to participate to the best of their abilities. He said, when you train with Special Olympics athletes, you go in thinking that you are there to inspire them. But the fact is, you feel inspired by what they can do with all those obstacles. (Schwarzenegger ) If a hero is defined by his or her selfless contributions to society, and through their positiv e influences on other people, then Arnold Schwarzenneger is truly an unsung hero. Through Arnold, the general population of America is more informed on health issues, inner city kids have been given a chance to succeed, and the mentally or physically invalid are truly made to feel good about themselves. A real hero doesnt care if they are noticed for their work, as the acquaintance that they have helped somebody is reward enough. Arnold has unselfishly given his money, but more importantly, his time and dedication to improve the lives of others.