On Ordinary Heroes and American Democracy

by Gerald M. Pomper

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594513916
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/15/2007
Series:	On Politics
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1: We Call Them Heroes; 2: Models of American Heroism; 3: Peter Rodino; 4: Arthur Watkins; 5: Harry Truman; 6: Wayne Justice; 7: Frances Kelsey; 8: Thurlow Weed; 9: Ida Tarbell; 10: John Lewis; 11: Ordinary Heroes and American Democracy

Editorial Reviews

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

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.”
—Marjorie Hershey, Indiana University

“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

From the Publisher