Journal Entry 19: Do the Right Thing

One definition of a hero is a person who does the right thing even though he or she might have to act alone. Many of the people we most admire and think of as heroes have had to stand up for their beliefs. Could these definitions apply to Barbara Frietchie or to Harriet Tubman? How about Stonewall Jackson? Describe what beliefs they stood up for, if any. How about the heroes you cited in your last journal entry? How about you? Have you ever had to “do the right thing” by yourself?

Barbara Fretchie and Harriet Tubman are both heroes, no doubt. They both risked their lives just to stand up for what they believe in. Barbara Fretchie told the soldier to shoot HER instead of the flag, just because she really belives in uniting her country and that was really brave. Harriet Tubman was willing to risk her own life too by helping the slaves escape to Canada, because according to the law, anyone who helps the slaves will also be killed or punished. Stone wall Jackson wasn't a hero at first, but he eventually became a hero too himself because he was influenced by Barbara Fretchie. He also told his sodiers to leave Barbara alone even though she was waving the flag, because he stood up for his own beliefs that were buried deep within him before Barbara made him realize it and stand up for it. I have did the right thing before too! There was once when my friends asked me to help them cheat on a exam, and I told them not to cheat, or else the teacher will find out, even though I knew I would probably fail if I didn't cheat.