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On Ordinary Heroes and American Democracy

Gerald M Pomper author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Inc

Published:15th Feb '07

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On Ordinary Heroes and American Democracy cover

True American heroes need not have superhuman abilities nor do they need to act alone. Heroism in a democracy is different from the heroism of myths and legends, writes Gerald Pomper in this original contribution to the literature of U.S. politics. Through the remarkable stories of eight diverse Americans who acted as heroes by "just doing their jobs" during national crises, he offers a provocative definition of heroism and fresh reasons to respect U.S. institutions and the people who work within them. This new paperback edition includes photographs, an introductory chapter on American heroism after 9/11, a survey of the meanings of heroism in U.S. popular culture, and an original concluding theory of "ordinary" heroism.

“Shows how an individual can make a difference, despite the size and scale of politics in an immense nation trying to keep a democracy.”
—Theodore J. Lowi, Cornell University

“A fascinating examination of heroes and the nature of heroism in a democratic society.”

“Pomper’s inspiring book provokes us to think about how American democracy and American political institutions foster the heroism of ordinary people.”
—Bruce Miroff, State University of New York, Albany

ISBN: 9781594513916

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 385g

328 pages