An online discussion about heroes.

[Ms. Wilbanks]

We have been talking a lot about what it means to be a hero.  Of course, what is heroic in the perspective of one citizen may or may not be in the eyes of another.  

This is a link to an opinion story from a newspaper.  Read it.  Respond here.  What do you think?  Then, engage in a virtual discussion with another student by reading and responding in an academic way to their thoughts.  It's just like Socratic Seminars, except this one is virtual. 

[50028770]

I believe Neil Armstrong was the true hero because he put himself in danger for NASA and the love of love for his country. He was also a former military veteran. 

[50028770]

In a way that is true, but the astronaut did it to help NASA discover more about space, not just for himself.

[40065108]

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

We have been talking a lot about what it means to be a hero.  Of course, what is heroic in the perspective of one citizen may or may not be in the eyes of another.  

This is a link to an opinion story from a newspaper.  Read it.  Respond here.  What do you think?  Then, engage in a virtual discussion with another student by reading and responding in an academic way to their thoughts.  It's just like Socratic Seminars, except this one is virtual. 

I think that no matter what lance Armstrong he is still a hero because he stared a foundation for cancer.What also makes him sort of like a hero is that even tho he got kicked of and lost his medals he is still riding today.I think Neil Armstrong is a hero because he testified before a U.S. Senate committee saying that it was wrong to slash NASA's space program.Also i think that Neil Armstrong is a hero because even after he came back from space there was big publicity and he stayed backed and that basically said that you don't need to be in the headlines to be an hero.

[50064390]

I believe that Neil Armstrong was more of a hero then Lance Armstrong because he put himself in harms way by being a former Navy fighter pilot, and by working with the NASA program as well. 

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Clinton]

I agree with both of you in that neither of these people did anything life changing for us, but they both fought hard for their beliefs.

[40053325]

I thing that Neil Armstrong was and still is a hero because he risked his life out of the love for his country to go up into space and accomplish something for mankind. Lance Armstrong was not a hero because he did not risk his life in order to accomplish anything. If anything he is a role model for people who love to bike but he is not a hero.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Erikka]

I believe that Neil Armstrong is more of an hero because he helped NASA by going to the moon and making discoveries while Lance was a athlete but didn't do anything heroic but won races which doesn't make him a hero.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Lexi Phillippi]

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

We have been talking a lot about what it means to be a hero.  Of course, what is heroic in the perspective of one citizen may or may not be in the eyes of another.  

This is a link to an opinion story from a newspaper.  Read it.  Respond here.  What do you think?  Then, engage in a virtual discussion with another student by reading and responding in an academic way to their thoughts.  It's just like Socratic Seminars, except this one is virtual. 

I think that they both did heroic actions because Neil Armstrong fought for his country, being a military veteran and risking his life for NASA even though he had know idea if he would make it safely or if he wouldn't make it at all. Also Lance Armstrong started a  foundation for cancer, though he used steroids to enhance his biking performance. To some people he was a hero because of his cancer foundation.

[Caleb (Aladdin) Hyatt]

I think that Neil is the true hero because he is humble and put his life in jeopardy for his country. 

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Imane Elouadi]

Neil Armstrong ambitiously focused on doing what's right for his country, even if  he had to risk his life, he'd  do it. While Lance Armstrong's only thoughts were to compete against others and for individual glory. Therefore, Neil Armstrong is the true hero and Lance is only someone who is looked up to, a role model.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Ms. Wilbanks]

Do you think, given the hype around steroid use and Lance Armstrong, that he is still a role model of individual accomplishment?

[Brittany]

Even though there was the big hype around steroid use and Lance Armstrong, I still believe he is a role model because even though he had cancer he made it through it and still followed his dreams after healing from it. 

[Sydney Comet]

I believe that Neil Armstrong was a hero because he helped people learn more about space. I don't think that Lance Armstrong was a hero, but more of a role model.  

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Olivia]

I agree with Brittany and Imane because Neil Armstrong put his life in danger in order to make great discoveries for mankind and for science. Also, though there was a hype about steroid use around Lance Armstrong, through surviving cancer and becomeing a srtong athlete afterwards, his s trength to continue on with his life shows him as a good role model.

[Chloe Wright!!!]

I really do agree with Imane and Sydney because I think that what Neil Armstrong did was really a heroic action, like, people's definitions of heros vary, but this, like under any circumstances, he was a hero. Lance Armstrong I do think was a role model. He didn't necessarily fit the "hero" category.   

[Miriam Mata]

I think that Neil Armstrong is the true hero because he risked his life for our country and he helped lead to a great discovery for man kind. I think Lance is not a hero because he also did all the things that he did to be famous I think he should not even be called a role model because he used steroids to help him win some of those races so that really was not his preformance it was the preformance of the steroids.

[Faven Woldetatyos]

Since the definition of a hero is to risk or give your life for a good cause, I think that Neil Armstrong did something heroic by risking his life  going into space for the sake of his country. To me, Neil Armstrong was a hero. On the other hand, Lance Armstrong is a role model because he won the Tour de France seven times and fought cancer but he didn't do anything to give or risk his life for a good cause.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[40053690]

On Sunday, September 2, 2012 12:45:52 PM UTC-6, Miriam Mata wrote:

I think that Neil Armstrong is the true hero because he risked his life for our country and he helped lead to a great discovery for man kind. I think Lance is not a hero because he also did all the things that he did to be famous I think he should not even be called a role model because he used steroids to help him win some of those races so that really was not his preformance it was the preformance of the steroids.

I agree because although lance did something meritorious it was not heroic ware as Neil risked his life.    

[Nina B.]

Thinking back to what the dictionary says is the definition of a hero, I think both Lance Armstrong, and Neil Armstrong are heroes. They have both depicted the same characteristics of a hero. Both men have done noble, and courageous things. Lance created an organization about a condition that isn't very acknowledged by society and did whatever he could to raise awareness, and make a name for himself. While, Neil risked his life for mankind, by going to the moon. I also want to add that I think this article was very biased and unfair. I don't think it was fair, or even necessary for the article to compare Neil, and Lance Armstrong when they are on completely different pedestals all because they have the same last name. This doesn't relate them on a personal level at all. 

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Maegan Akell]

 I believe that both are heros. They may not be a hero to you, but in someones mind some where, they are a hero. And if you disagree, well we never decided what a hero is. And what it means to be a hero. We also never decided if you have to be a hero in everyones mind or just one persons, but going off of my perspective, if you are a hero in one persons mind then yes you are a hero. Maybe not to everyone. Also, their are different versions of this saying but I'll make one that fits this topic... Their are only small heros, not actions. I don't know if that makes sense but I'm trying to say that if you are a hero in one persons mind, compared to hundreds, it doesn't matter because you are considered a hero. Then again, what is a hero. Thats my big question. How can you determine who is a hero, if you don't know what one is. Everything is in my brain and makes sense to me, and I'm trying to explain it, but yeah, that's all I got to say. :)

[Andrea Gonzalez]

I believe that Neil Armstrong was a hero because in when he allowed himself to be taken to space, no one was sure if anyone would make it alive. Neil was risking something really important, his life, and not everyone has that courage to risk something as important as their own life. Lance Armstrong wasn't really a hero to me but the article stated that to some people he was a hero just because he survived cancer while others didn't see him as a hero, more of a cheater. I guess it depends on the way the people view them.  

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[50026762]

I agree with Imane Neil Armstrong was the true hero because he put his life in danger so that the people that lived in the country that he loved wouldn't be in it and he made a huge step for mankind by going to the moon. Lance Armstrong just wanted fame, he didn't really care about whether those cancer patients lived or died.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:26:41 PM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[Samuel Tadesse]

I think that Neil Armstrong was a hero because he went to space for mankind. Neil Armstrong risked his for mankind. I think that Lance Armstrong is not a hero or a role model because he used steroids to win races. If Lance Armstrong was a role model he would be teaching people that it is okay to cheat. 

On Friday, August 31, 2012 11:22:43 AM UTC-6, Ms. Wilbanks wrote:

[40065787]

I agree with 50064390 because going into space takes guts, courage, and bravery which as a matter fact is some of the characteristics of a hero. Lance Armstrong did not risk as much as Neil Armstrong did.

[50018261]

I disagree with 50026762 because I don't think he didn't care whether the cancer patients lived or died,but I do think he wanted fame and that is the reason he did steroids to improve his performance,so that he could get the fame he wanted.Neil 

Armstrong is the hero because he didn't want publicity he wanted to accomplish a goal and that is what makes him a hero in my opinion.he went to the moon for himself not anyone else.

[Lauren Spero]

I believe that Neil Armstrong was the hero because he wanted everybody to know about space and helped NASA discover many different things about the moon.  Neil Armstrong also risked his life to try something no one else has before.

[40049567]

I believe both of them were pretty much heros.They both did something that was heroic. 

[Hailey Wasick]

I believe Lance Armstrong was not a hero. I do not think he was a hero becuase he didnt show the true critera for being a hero. I do believe he is a roemodel, but not  exactlly a hero. His only glory was for himself. I am sure that people look up to him for pushing foward, but he did not show herioc accomplishments in my opinion.

 

Neil Armstrong is a hero in my opinion. I strongly believe that his glory wasnt just for himself but it was for a lot of people, ulike Lance Armstrong. He didnt just think about himself, he thought oof how this accompishment may help others too!

[Jared Clanton]

I think Neil Armstrng is a hero because he risked hs lfe for others.  He dd this by going to the moon to collect materials for scientists.  He very well could have died but he still did it because he want to be a hero for the rest of his life.  Lance Armstrong is not a hero is is more like a role model because others wanted to be like him.  He did not try to risk his life at all he was just showing how to perservere and never quit.  He is not a good role model either because he did steriods. 

 

[Hanna Piilola]

I disagree with Jared that Lance Armstrong was not a hero and I agree that both Niel and Lance Armstrong were heroes. Sure Lance Armstrong used steroids to enhance his biking capabilities but it just goes to show how dedicated he was and it sets an example of how hard you have to work to reach your goals. He won various races while dealing with cancer and in the aftermath ran a cancer foundation. Everyone has their own definition of a hero and though only one Armstrong matches the dictonary's definition both are heroes in my opinion. Niel Armstrong risked his life serving his country in the Navy and with the NASA program being the first human to step on the moon not knowing what to expect. He fought for his beliefs and did what he thought was best for his country.In my opinion both are heroes and took heroic actions for personal pleasure and for others benefit. 

[Jordan Maestas]

Jared I don't agree with you about Neil Armstrong being the hero because what do Neil do for you. In this case Lance Armstrong is the hero because he had cancer and still did amazing things for cyclists and other people with cancer. He made a foundation dedicated  to help people with cancer. At age 16 he was one of the best cyclists to live. Neil Armstrong helped NASA but he did not try to save a life at all.

[Sarah Bates =D]

I think that the more heroic person is Neil Armstrong, because he sacrificed his life just to help grow America. America achieved being the first one to the moon. I also believe Lance Armstrong was a hero to other cyclist and cancer victims because of his charity. I believe it depends on who you are to consider them heroes. 

[40054120]

Neil and Lance Armstrong are both heros because they both did things for the better of other people. Neil Armstrong opened up to new ideas in science that helped others. Lance Armstrong started a foundation to support people with cancer.

[Deron (Hulk) Solomon]

What about Lance armstrong


On Friday, August 31, 2012 10:42:34 AM UTC-6, Caleb (Aladdin) Hyatt wrote:

I think that Neil is the true hero because he is humble and put his life in jeopardy for his country. 

[Deron (Hulk) Solomon]

I disagree, with you stating that Lance Armstrong is a hero. This is because he did nothing in order to risk his life to become a hero. The definition of the word hero is "someone who has risked his life to achieve something great.". Please tell me in what way Lance Armstrong Risked his life.

[Deron (Hulk) Solomon]

 Neil Armstrong is a hero Jordan Because he risked his life in order to reach the moo n. this was A heroic feat because in the dictionary the definition states"A hero is someone who risked his/her life in order to achieve something great.". Are you saying that by him going to the moon and risking his life for his country he is not being heroic?

[Erikka]

I agree with Deron because Neil Armstrong had made a discover to help NASA while Lance Armstrong won competitions for himself and didn't have an effect on anyone.

[Lacey Rigali]

Lance Armstrong may have not risked his life, but he did save others from dieing of cancer with his foundation and a hero saves people so in my opinion I believe that Lance Armstrong is a hero.

[40063323]

I partly agree with Deron, but not completely. I agree that Lance Armstrong isn't a hero but I'm wondering how Neil Armstrong was really a true hero. Lance Armstrong had cancer and still did all the bike stuff and he survived, but did he risk his life for other people??

[Jordan Maestas]

Tell me wrong but are guys saying superman is not a hero. He helped people in need just from bad guys just like Lance Armstrong is helping people with cancer(bad guys). I do know that superman did risk his life but he had powers something to help him. Lance Armstrong doesn't have powers that sounds to me like a difficult job to do to save other people. Neil Armstrong didn't help anyone to live all he did was help expand the reach of space and learn more about the moon.

[Viktor Gemelev (Moma Viktoria :)]

I think that Lance Armstrong is the real hero and not Neil because Neil Armstrong did not do anything heroic or courageous as many people would like to have done what he did if they could and Lance Armstrong is a hero to many as he helped many people that suffered from cancer, even if he didn't have clean drug tests. Lance Armstrong appears to be a hero in opinions of others, but Neil does too, and that is why he may also be a hero but in my opinion he didn't do anything courageous. He didn't really give up his life because it was his job, but the job required him to go through a lot of things that could have been dangerous, so whether Neil is a hero is unsettled.

[Ekaterina Dombayeva (Katie)]

Lance Armstrong is not a hero because he did not save people from cancer.All he did was make a foundation that would get some money for the cancer but there is not a cure from cancer many scientists are trying to get a cure for it. He helped fund for it but he didn't cure cancer.

[40065564]

I believe Niel Armstrong was more of a hero than Lance because he risked his life to go to the moon in the Apollo program and was apart of the navy. Lance Armstrong was just an athlete who just survived cancer.In my opinion, Lance is more of a rolemodel than a hero. Niel Armstong took a bigger risk than Lance did.

[Emily H.]

I think that Neil Armstrong is the hero because he did a lot of generous for his country and not for just for him, but for the rest of mankind. By going into space and risking his life. He also seemed to do a lot of great thing the rest of his life. On the otherhand Lance Armstrong did some bad things as well as good things. Though I think heros should constantly be good. Except in this case he started off bad and became better after time, doing heroic things.. Like a lot of other heros So they both are heros in there own way.

[Daniela (Daddy) Castro]

I believe that both Neil Armstrong and Lance Armstrong are both heroes. Neil Armstrong is a hero because he risked his life to go up into space, and still continued to do good things for himself and for our country. He didn't just stop at one thing, he continued his actions to keep his title as a hero. Lance Armstrong was also a hero in his own way because even though he did a wrong thing one time, he started a foundation for the cancer people that helped them out. He did this while overcoming his obstacle which is part of the definition. I think that we should not change our minds about Lance about one mistake that he did; we should be looking past that and at all the positive things he has done. Both people have done amazing things, and in my eyes, are both heroic people.

[Jenna Larson]

I believe that Neil Armstrong was the true hero beause he was willing to risk his life for others. Neil Armstrong did something heroic. Lance Armstrong did something that was meritorious but did not do something heroic. Lance Armstrong looked up to his brother because his brother was a hero.