Real Life Heroes

Unit 3B

Real Life Heroes who have changed the World

Protester

Pioneer

Activist

Resistance

Hero

VOCABULARY

1. Who is your favorite super hero?
2. Who is your personal hero?
3. Do they share similarities?

Discussion

Whenever you hear the word 'hero' you probably automatically put the word 'super' in front of it and pictures the Avengers beating up some alien things coming out of the sky over New York. These heroes of yours are always ridiculously good looking, they're built like a tank and they always have some distinctive outfit or cape which sets them apart from the rest of the group.

Your hero is perfect in every way; they can do no wrong, they always arrive on time, they look impeccable and they stick to a moral guideline which is built in to them. They become a somebody by saving 'ordinary' people on a daily basis and everyone wants to be like them. Everyone wants to be different. No one wants to be the Max Dillon's of the world where they feel like they don't exist and they're just another number instead of an actual human being.

Superheroes have set the standards pretty high because they're this ideal person who always puts others before themselves, they're good people right down to their bones and they will not think twice about giving their lives in order to save yours. But surely this type of person can't exist? Well, there have been a number of people throughout history whose actions have changed the world, whether that it was their intention or not, their actions and conviction in doing the right thing have made them heroes.

"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood... I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character."

Which of the people featured in the article was the most interesting to you? Did they make a significative change? Do you think they make for actual heroes?

Discussion