In the fight against oppression, the subversive potential of the heroic becomes particularly visible. This applies the more when the aim is not only to motivate supporters to emulate and persevere, but also to convince the opposing party instead of defeating them.

The heroic figures of the Civil Rights-Black Power Movement in the USA were role models of empowerment. The Movement itself communicated its complex concerns in the fight against racism through them. The heroic figures stood for possibilities for action in the struggle, ranging from renouncing violence to calling for violence. This generated connectivity beyond the movement and increased the chances of success.

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When an award for courage is named after a war hero, that hero’s morale becomes the heroic benchmark for an entire army. With each decoration, heroism is transferred: from a famous and great hero to particular soldiers, who metaphorically step into his shoes.

Alexander Suvorov fought in the service of Imperial Russia as an officer and commander from 1756 to 1800. Anyone decorated with the Order of Suvorov today is honoured threefold: for their achievements, as the elite of soldiery, and as part of a time-transcending war. In the war against Ukraine, Russia’s claim to Ukrainian territories is currently framed with reference to Suvorov.

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The oldest proving ground for heroism is the fight – be it in a war, in a battle or on the battlefield. And, conversely, there is no war without heroes.
For a long time, people in Germany avoided linking the terms Bundeswehr and hero with each other. It was civilian relief operations and participation in UN missions that German soldiers received appreciation for. However, a heroic community culture emerged in Bundeswehr units already in the first combat operations, which caused a rethinking in politics and society: the guiding principle of the citizen in uniform was soon supplemented with a notion of heroism. The preparedness to fight bravely and put one’s own life at stake was recognized as being essential to combat power.

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