beowulf
...imply wants to help Hrothgar and do what is right. Unfortunately, Beowulf's men do not possess the same degree of loyalty towards him. When he is in danger, his men often flee, as seen at the dragon's lair. Because of their lack of loyalty, they are damned and castigated. Loyalty was one of the most important qualities a man could possess in Beowulf's time, and its presence in a person elevated him from ordinary to heroic. The ideal Anglo-Saxon was one who is loyal to their king and possesses a fearless outlook on life. A person who put their life on the line for others was a quality embraced by Anglo-Saxons, as they would do good not for themselves, but to benefit the group as a whole. Anglo-Saxons had a great deal of respect for their leaders, as ultimately they were only as strong as their king was or could be. Today, not every American respects our current president, the ultimate leader of our country. This country was greatly divided in this last election. Even though America is the most powerful country in the world, the citizens do not share the same type of respect and loyalty in which the Anglo-Saxons had for their leaders. It is very hard to trust and rely on people without possessing some sense of loyalty. Law enforcement in this country serves and protects the people rightfully. People have a sense of security and protection from our police, as there is no sense of corruption around law enforcement, therefore people can expect and are helped in times of need. Without the accountability of the law enforcement officers in this country there would be constant chaos with no order. Even though it is the job they enlisted to do, everyday these people are putting their life on the line to help strangers in order to restore peace, which would be the ultimate goal. People have found someone who is considered a hero ever since the beginning of time. Since the definition of what makes up a hero varies from person to person, the idea of a hero still remains. Looking at the present time, the troops over seas fighting in Iraq are considered heroes in American society. They are over there fighting for a different group of people in order to have them obtain their own freedom, much like the freedom that we enjoy ourselves. However, this wasn’t the case 25 years ago when America had soldiers fighting in Vietnam. I was not alive for that time in history, but I have heard and read about numerous accounts of American soldiers being looked down upon. The public viewed them as baby killers and savages, as they thought we had no business being over in Vietnam since it did not directly concern America. This argument could also be made in the current war in Iraq. Even though many Americans oppose having troops in Iraq, nonetheless they support them and hold the highest respect for these young men and women as they are putting their lives on the line each day for a foreign cause. I feel that the idea of a hero has changed in America’s eyes following the events of September 11. There is less coverage in the media of the everyday citizen as it has turned its attention to the war in Iraq and the hunt ...