Popular heroes and celebrities represent a society's ideals and concerns by embodying cultural values and reinforcing societal myths. There are two main types of popular heroes - citizen-heroes, who are real or imaginary figures that embody democratic values of serving society, and rogue-heroes, who represent individual freedom. Citizen-heroes possess exceptional abilities and qualities that are valued by mainstream culture, often rising from common origins, and demonstrate modesty while engaging in everyday activities.

1. Heroes & Celebrities
Real or imaginary people who
represent a society’s ideals &
concerns

3. Popular American Heroes
 Common men and women who rise to
great heights of achievement
 Reinforce myths

9. Functions of Popular Heroes
 Provide concrete images of what
everyone can strive to be
 Represent a perfected member of the
culture
 Represent the ideals of the culture

10. Types of Popular Heroes
 Citizen-heroes
• Real or imagined
• embody values of Democracy
 Rogue-heroes
• Real or imagined
• Represent Individual freedom

11. Types I: citizen heroes
 Possess exceptional mental or physical
gifts
 Possess qualities society values
 Serves and defends mainstream society

13. Characteristics of Popular
American Heroes
 Demonstrate modesty
 Rise from commonplace origins
 Engage in everyday activities and
events