Positive role models help instill a strong sense of self-worth. Children who have been positively motivated usually become well-adjusted adults. One common characteristic of most criminals is a lack of self-esteem, which often stems from exposure to negative role models during their childhood. Without a doubt, the influence of “heroes” in the lives of children is an essential element in their development.

A hero can be a father, mother, sister, brother or anyone who can make a positive contribution to the life of another person. Children, adolescents and adults can all have heroes.

The origin of the hero is rooted in the African/Egyptian allegory of Heru (often referred to as Horus by the Greeks). Heru was the child of Aset (Isis) and Asar (Osiris); he avenged the murder of his father Asar (Osiris), who was killed by Heru’s evil uncle, Set. Set was the symbol of evil and is the origin of the word Satan.

The battle between Heru and Set is the origin of the classic confrontation between the forces of good and evil (also regarded as light and darkness). Heru was symbolic of the rising sun (the light). Set, on the other hand, was symbolic of the setting sun (the darkness), which is also the origin of the word sunset.

In the battle between good and evil (light and darkness), Heru emerged as the victor, when good triumphed over evil. Heru then became the prototype of the “Hero,” the role model for humanity.

To read more about this subject and others like it, check out the WBLK Know Thyself Book Club and the book FROM THE BROWDER FILE by ANTHONY T. BROWDER

 

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