Real American Heroes

Andy Warhol (otherwise known as Andrew Warhola) was a revolutionary artist and filmmaker known internationally as the leader of the pop-art movement. He inspired millions into this abstract type of art in the 60's and 70's using bizarre techniques to express himself. He is considered a fine artist, a legend of his time, and an inspiration to everyone around the world as the leader of an artistic revolution.

To me, he is an American hero because of the things he overcame in his life. He represents how a low class boy with rare, incurable diseases can rise to an international icon. Born in a working class family in the early 20th century in northeastern Slovakia, he overcame the dramatic death of his grandparents and an early onset of the disease called Saint Vitus' Dance, a rare disease that scarred him emotionally. He became fearful of the simplest everyday objects and was often sick, leaving him an outcast. This experience shaped his life, personality and interests, and without such a major turning point early in life he wouldn't have been the Andy Warhol we know as an international figure today. He is an inspiration for abstract artists and pop artists everywhere.


Sacagawea, otherwise known as Sakakawea, was one of the first inspirational women in the United States. Born in the late 18th century as a Native Maerican, she aided Lewis and Clark on their journey to find the Pacific Ocean. Without Sacagawea's aid it was very likely that Lewis and Clark wouldn't have made it through this 2 year journey.

The reason I choose Sacagawea is because of her symbolism and impact on American history. Not only is she a symbol of perserverence but a symbol of women's independence; she contributed and risked her life during the journey of Lewis and Clark. Not only this, but during this expedition, a vote was taken on which direction to take in the trail and Sacagawea's vote counted -- the first ever recorded woman's vote in the US. This proved to be a big step in American history and is believed to be the beginning of women's liberation in the US.




Marilyn Monroe was an American model and actress in the mid 20th century, and now, is a legend. Her history as an orphan whom nobody loved named Norma Jeane Mortenson rising to an internationally known pinup model and famous actress shaped her views and goals in life.

I think Marilyn Monroe is a national icon because of her dedication to her career. To me, she represents how a "dumb blonde" can actually be a classy, witty, well-carried woman. Marilyn Monroe worked all the while, putting all her effort into her career to get to the top. She never stopped, and was a class act in the movies and gigs she starred in. When people brought her down or stereotyped her as the "dumb blonde of Hollywood" she always had a way to come back at them. I think that Marilyn is an inspiration to women everywhere, to remember that they are not just helpless victims in a man's world, they are WOMEN in a men's world. She is well known for her witty quotes on life, love and the reality of Hollywood.

"I'm ok with living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in a man's world."

"It's better for the whole world to know you... than never to be known at all."

"In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo. You're judged by how you look, not by what you are. Hollywood's a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for kiss, and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty."

"It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone. "

"Also from Lee Strasberg's eulogy: Marilyn Monroe was a legend. In her lifetime she created a myth of what a poor girl from a deprived background could attain. For the entire world she became a symbol of the eternal feminine."