Eleanor Roosevelt is my hero. She was born October 11th 1884 and lived until November 7th 1962. She lived until she was 78 years old. She was married to Franklin D. Roosevelt and served as the first Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She was raised in a privileged society, living with two brothers as well as a half brother. She attended an English Finishing School where she became a hard worker, and developed her compassion and individual thoughts.
One reason that Eleanor Roosevelt is a hero is because she was an extraordinarily hard working woman, and this, I believe, is one characteristic that defines a hero. Eleanor Roosevelt worked hard her whole life, beginning with school and then charitable work. After she and Franklin D. Roosevelt were married, Eleanor spent much of her time making public appearances for her paralyzed husband. She toured the country promoting her husband while he was running for office, as well as working with charities like the WCTU (Women’s Trade Union League). She also, in her later years, was a delegate for the US in the United Nations and was a key player in the writing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor Roosevelt accomplished this and so much more in her lifetime, however she would never have been so successful if she hadn’t been dedicated and worked hard.
Secondly, Eleanor Roosevelt is a hero because she was compassionate and cared for people. Eleanor Roosevelt demonstrated her compassion for others before, during, and after her White House years. Before, she worked with charities so that lower class working women would be treated with dignity and so that child labor would be abolished. During her White House years she voiced her support for African-American Civil Rights and often made appearances to allow the depression-era workers to know that the government was aware of their plight. Even after her years in the White House, she was active trying to create equality and served as a delegate for the United Nations. She served as the chairperson for the UN human rights commission and played a part in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor Roosevelt demonstrated her compassion for all people no matter their race or status and made a very large impact on these issues, her compassion is one of the characteristics that make her a hero.
Lastly, I believe she is a hero because she did not maintain the tradition role women were meant to play in upper class society, but she was an individual who had individual thoughts. At the time Roosevelt became First Lady, she was expected to be an ornament that would hold a social position, as she once said "Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president." She instead continued speaking publicly despite criticism and even wrote a column for a newspaper. This was a time when high society women did not have jobs so to some people she was quite radical. However her individuality is inspiring to people who want to make a difference. Her individuality is one reason that she is a hero.
Eleanor Roosevelt is possibly one of the most inspiring women of the twentieth century. She was an extremely devoted and hard working person who was also able to have compassion on others. She knew equality was needed when there was little and was not afraid to voice her opinions although they were controversial. All these and many more, positive characteristics are what make Eleanor Roosevelt the amazing hero she was.
Page created on 5/8/2008 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 5/8/2008 12:00:00 AM
BrainyMedia.com . "Brainy Quote." [Online] Available http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html. 2008.
Wikipedia foundation. "Eleanor Roosevelt." [Online] Available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt. 2008.