Our heroes don’t have to be great and extraordinary people, contributing to the field of science, art or technology, but can be instead ordinary people, such as our grandmothers or perhaps your neighbor, and any person you admire for their deeds. In truth, many extraordinary people, are in fact ordinary people doing extraordinary things, such as Rosa Parks, Pheidippides and Atticus Finch from the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee were all ordinary people who stood up and became a hero.
Rosa Parks, an African American woman is another ordinary person, but stood up for what she believed in and became a hero. As a child, Parks attended rural schools and graduated. At the time, many Jim Crow Laws were passed, one of which was that black or “colored” people had to sit at the back of the bus and must give up their seats to any white passengers if there were no more seats available. After a long day of Work, Parks boarded a bus and sat at the first row of seats designated for colored passengers. After the seats for white passengers were filled, the driver asked Parks and four other colored passengers to move. Rosa Parks refused to move and so she was arrested. Following her arrest, many African-American citizens protested by refusing to ride the bus. After years of boycotting, the bus system was finally integrated. Because of her extraordinary deed, where Parks would not get up when many others would have she is considered a hero.
Pheidippides was born in Athens around 530BC and is a hero and an ordinary person. He ran 240 kilometers to Sparta in two days to request help when the Persians arrived in Marathon, Greece and after the Greek victory over the Persians in the Battle of Marathon, he ran another 40 kilometers from the battlefield to announce the victory and collapsed and died soon afterwords. Today, he is remembered whenever someone runs a marathon, in honor of the Battle of Marathon and Pheidippides' run. Even though he was only doing his job, Pheildippides is still regarded as a hero.
In the novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Atticus Finch, a father of two and a lawyer, lived in a town stereotyping African Americans. When Finch is appointed to defend an African American man named Tom Robinson, he is faced with a lot of controversy. However, Atticus Finch still defends man, who is convicted of rape, to the best of his ability. He presented a very convincing case to protect Tom Robinson, but Robinson is still convicted guilty. Although Atticus Finch did not succeed in protecting his Robinson, he stood up for what he thought was right, even in the face of all the disapproval, and is considered a hero.
In conclusion, ordinary people can be heroes, and many of these people perform extraordinary acts, such as Terry Fox, Rosa Parks and Atticus Finch. Although perhaps they receive much fame for their great deeds, it is how they rose and stood up for what they believe in that makes these acts truly heroic and noble.
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Torus: Chapter 8
Steve jolted awake to the sound of his alarm clock. His heavy hand found the snooze button and the noise ceased. Normally, he'd wake up to his stomach grumbling or when his body is well rested and the afternoon sun is up. Puzzled, he stared at his alarm clock and wondered why his wife, Tracey Ludavic, set his alarm to 6:55 am. His mind started to clear and he remembered. His wife didn't set the alarm, he did. Today was the special day where S.P.A.C.E. would be launching the Wubble. Today, the world would be saved. Steve splashed his face with cold water and smiled. He wasn't going to be late and delay this occasion.
As he entered the launch room, he was dismayed to see that everyone was up and waiting for him, although he woke up extra early.
"Steve, we’re ready for dispatch," Joe Chipman said. "Your seat is here, beside Viktor Conti, Head Launch Administrator, in charge of this launch."
Steve followed the direction of Joe's finger and located an empty seat next to a young Italian man. The two shook hands and took their seats. Conti reached for his earpiece and began speaking rapid Italian.
"Preparare il lancio cuscinetto!"
With the little Italian Steve knows he knew that they were preparing to launch. He also noticed how one section of the operators began clicking buttons and pulling switches. Each had an earpiece and communicated with short code lines. Around him was a few of the most important administrators and managers of S.P.A.C.E here to monitor the launch. Finally, over the intercom, Steve heard:
"Ready to launch, sir"
Steve's stomach fluttered in anticipation. This launch was to be kept a secret until it was successful. He could even see himself in the paper, giving his already thought out speech on how he saved the world. Almost everyone in S.P.A.C.E. was watching the Wubble being launched. Steve imagined the crowd being his interviewers but was soon snapped back into reality by a heavily accented English.
As he entered the launch room, he was dismayed to see that everyone was up and waiting for him, although he woke up extra early.
"Steve, we’re ready for dispatch," Joe Chipman said. "Your seat is here, beside Viktor Conti, Head Launch Administrator, in charge of this launch."
Steve followed the direction of Joe's finger and located an empty seat next to a young Italian man. The two shook hands and took their seats. Conti reached for his earpiece and began speaking rapid Italian.
"Preparare il lancio cuscinetto!"
With the little Italian Steve knows he knew that they were preparing to launch. He also noticed how one section of the operators began clicking buttons and pulling switches. Each had an earpiece and communicated with short code lines. Around him was a few of the most important administrators and managers of S.P.A.C.E here to monitor the launch. Finally, over the intercom, Steve heard:
"Ready to launch, sir"
Steve's stomach fluttered in anticipation. This launch was to be kept a secret until it was successful. He could even see himself in the paper, giving his already thought out speech on how he saved the world. Almost everyone in S.P.A.C.E. was watching the Wubble being launched. Steve imagined the crowd being his interviewers but was soon snapped back into reality by a heavily accented English.
"Launching in 5, 4, 3 …"
Steve rested his chin on his hand as his brows were knit together.
" … 2 …"
Everyone leaned forward.
" … 1! Launch!"
Viktor's hand firmly pressed the red launch button.
The roar was deafening. In just 5 seconds, the Wubble already gained a speed of 100km/h and was continuing to increase. A live feed appeared at the front of the room. It showed the Wubble getting higher and higher. 2 minutes later, it was out of Earth's atmosphere and hurling it's way towards Theio.
Everyone sighed as the burden of the world lifted. Then they cheered and clapped. People crowded around Viktor, partially forgetting Steve, but he didn't care. He knew that he would finally have a good night's sleep.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Steve rested his chin on his hand as his brows were knit together.
" … 2 …"
Everyone leaned forward.
" … 1! Launch!"
Viktor's hand firmly pressed the red launch button.
The roar was deafening. In just 5 seconds, the Wubble already gained a speed of 100km/h and was continuing to increase. A live feed appeared at the front of the room. It showed the Wubble getting higher and higher. 2 minutes later, it was out of Earth's atmosphere and hurling it's way towards Theio.
Everyone sighed as the burden of the world lifted. Then they cheered and clapped. People crowded around Viktor, partially forgetting Steve, but he didn't care. He knew that he would finally have a good night's sleep.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Sunday, 2 November 2014
An Idealistic Approach
An idealistic approach is often seen as less pragmatic compared to a practical approach. However, an idealistic approach is sometimes more important for a practical approach. Throughout history, many people have shown that the use of idealistic approaches may be more beneficial in achieving their goals. Amelia Earhart, was an idealist and spent many years of hard training to become a pilot. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, became the first black president of South Africa and led a revolution. Also, we can see that the idealist approach has worked for Eleanor Roosevelt's who advocated human rights and was later be dubbed the "First Lady of the World".
Amelia Earhart is an example of an idealist. She was a nurse in World War II and became fast friends with many aviators, causing her interest in flying. When she finally decided to learn how to fly, she spent hours studying books and got a series of jobs to earn enough money to take flying lessons. She had dedicated her life to aviation, cutting her hair short and wearing his leather jacket for 3 nights to make it look more "worn". Earhart suffered from the Spanish flu pandemic that caused the victim to suffer from dizziness after hard work. Once she fell ill on a 10 hour flight and was nearly killed. Yet Earhart kept pursue her dream, and finally finished her course. In 1922, Amelia Earhart set the world altitude record for women pilots, 14 000 feet, and in 1932 Earhart was the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, establishing herself as an aviator. With the idealistic approach, Amelia Earhart was able to become an accomplished aviator.
In addition, Nelson Mandela used the idealistic approach to achieving his goal. He has led numerous campaigns against the South African government and advocated for human rights. Although, in 1963, Mandela was sentenced to prison for life and was treated badly in prison because he was a coloured prisoner, he obtained a law degree. However, because of the growing local and international pressure, the government released Mandela in 1990. After being released from prison, Mandela declared that he would not stop advocating human rights until the black citizens had the right to vote. After being elected president of the African National Congress in 1991, he began to negotiate with President F.W. de Klerk for the right to vote and in 1993, both Mandela and de Klerk received a piece of the Nobel Prize. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic election in which Nelson Mandela was appointed president. Thanks to him, the economy of South Africa began to grow and the government has funded many projects to create jobs and homes. Again, this is the result of an idealistic approach.
Eleanor Roosevelt, sometimes called the First Lady of the World, had been active in many women's rights movements such as the League of Women Voters. She became the first First Lady to hold her own press conferences and allowed women journalists, who had previously been banned from the conferences, to attend. Eleanor Roosevelt began advocating for the rights and needs of the poor, disadvantaged and minorities. She also traveled across the United States to observe the conditions and report these observations to the President.
Although some argue that a practical approach is more reasonable and realistic, an idealistic approach is just as valuable as well. With idealistic dreams, we can achieve larger goals. Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and many others have proven this. These people changed themselves and the world around them.
Amelia Earhart is an example of an idealist. She was a nurse in World War II and became fast friends with many aviators, causing her interest in flying. When she finally decided to learn how to fly, she spent hours studying books and got a series of jobs to earn enough money to take flying lessons. She had dedicated her life to aviation, cutting her hair short and wearing his leather jacket for 3 nights to make it look more "worn". Earhart suffered from the Spanish flu pandemic that caused the victim to suffer from dizziness after hard work. Once she fell ill on a 10 hour flight and was nearly killed. Yet Earhart kept pursue her dream, and finally finished her course. In 1922, Amelia Earhart set the world altitude record for women pilots, 14 000 feet, and in 1932 Earhart was the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, establishing herself as an aviator. With the idealistic approach, Amelia Earhart was able to become an accomplished aviator.
In addition, Nelson Mandela used the idealistic approach to achieving his goal. He has led numerous campaigns against the South African government and advocated for human rights. Although, in 1963, Mandela was sentenced to prison for life and was treated badly in prison because he was a coloured prisoner, he obtained a law degree. However, because of the growing local and international pressure, the government released Mandela in 1990. After being released from prison, Mandela declared that he would not stop advocating human rights until the black citizens had the right to vote. After being elected president of the African National Congress in 1991, he began to negotiate with President F.W. de Klerk for the right to vote and in 1993, both Mandela and de Klerk received a piece of the Nobel Prize. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic election in which Nelson Mandela was appointed president. Thanks to him, the economy of South Africa began to grow and the government has funded many projects to create jobs and homes. Again, this is the result of an idealistic approach.
Eleanor Roosevelt, sometimes called the First Lady of the World, had been active in many women's rights movements such as the League of Women Voters. She became the first First Lady to hold her own press conferences and allowed women journalists, who had previously been banned from the conferences, to attend. Eleanor Roosevelt began advocating for the rights and needs of the poor, disadvantaged and minorities. She also traveled across the United States to observe the conditions and report these observations to the President.
Although some argue that a practical approach is more reasonable and realistic, an idealistic approach is just as valuable as well. With idealistic dreams, we can achieve larger goals. Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and many others have proven this. These people changed themselves and the world around them.
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