What makes a true hero

Heroes in Hollywood movies have always told us that Americans will save the world. The Amazing Spiderman and The Dark Knight Rises confirm that. No matter which Hollywood hero is out to save the world, the one scene constant in such movies is the Stars and Stripes flying amid war ruins, says an article in People's Daily Overseas edition. Excerpts:

Hollywood movies show the self-conceited side of American culture. Although the Chinese translation of "hero" is xia, which signifies the Chinese knight-errant, the Hollywood hero is quite different from xia in Chinese culture.

First, American movie heroes get their superpowers through an accident or high technology. For example, Spiderman was bitten by a spider which gave him super powers. But the stories of Chinese heroes are more realistic, for example, kungfu masters have to practice very hard to become a xia, because the Chinese believe nothing is achieved without hard work.

Second, the appearance and temperament of a Hollywood hero and a xia are different. Superman prefers tights which show his strength and virile body. But Chinese masters hide their power in togas. The more powerful they are, the lower their profile is.

Finally, the Hollywood hero and xia reflect the different ideologies, cultures and values of America and China. In Hollywood blockbusters, heroes usually fight villains who are out to harm people and/or destroy cities. Two important aspects of Hollywood movies support American values: Heroes define who or what is evil, and they most certainly win in the end.

Moreover, Chinese heroes usually pursue self-improvement, which reflect Chinese values. The over-confidence of Hollywood heroes leads to self-conceit, which makes them define evil and fight it without caring for innocent people and ruining homes and buildings. Such "heroes" cannot be called xia.

(China Daily 10/12/2012 page9)