Graduate Journal aspeers Calls for Papers on "American (Anti-)Heroes" by Oct 20, 2024
From the popularity of superhero comics to cult movements around religious leaders, from venerating political figures to idolizing pop-culture celebrities, images and constructions of ‘heroes’ play a significant role in US culture. Simultaneously, there are people and actions outside of the limelight that have been revered as heroic, for example the voluntary work of nurses in homeless shelters and hospitals. While often tied to individuals, heroism occurs not just in these personified forms but can be attached to larger movements, events, or groups in more abstract ways as well. Both the figure of the hero and heroization more generally have equally frequently been weaponized throughout US history or used as a tool for political manipulation.