Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan posing for his fans (Megalife.com (Megalife))

''Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.''[Langston Hughes] Jackie Chan appears to have taken this challenge to heart, and has clearly demonstrated to the world what spectacular heroic achievements an average man can achieve with a dream. Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong, China in 1954. At the tender age of six his family opted to move to Australia for business reasons; however Jackie Chan and his brothers remained behind, and were enrolled into The China Drama Academy, a Peking Opera school. It was here that tough life lessons were learnt as well the art of acting, along with rigors of martial arts. After leaving the Academy Jackie Chan began his career as a stuntman, landing a position on Bruce Lee's film Fist of Fury at the age of seventeen. By applying the disciplines he'd learnt, as well as his invincible attitude he began to land additional roles in Hong Kong's growing movie industry. Directors having learnt of Jackie Chan's acting, and athletic abilities began producing films that featured him. Audiences loved his unique comedic approach to kung fu, as well as the heroic themes embedded in his movies, where his character always seemed to triumph in the end despite the odds that he was facing.  If a hero is defined as one who moves to the beat of their own drum, standing up the things they care for, then Jackie Chan personifies such a definition. Additionally, if a hero possesses a generous heart as well as a courageous personality to stands up for what is right, then Jackie Chan and his innumerable philanthropic efforts fits the bill.

Jackie after the movie of 1911 (USSpost.com (Staff of United states post.))

Jackie Chan appears to have the purest of hearts in his desire to create, fund, and promote numerous charities. On May 11^th of 2011 Jackie Chan received yet another award, this one was for campaigning for wildlife conservation in San Francisco. "Martial arts movie star Jackie Chan is to receive an award to mark his efforts campaigning for wildlife conservation." (World Entertainment News Network) Jackie Chan is not you're a-typical, self-obsessed movie star, but rather is a passionate philanthropist, as well as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, working tirelessly to champion charitable works and causes. He is a compassionate man who is engaged in the problems of this world and is actually willing to do something about it by leveraging his star status, as well as his own hard earned money for good. Jackie Chan also gives back to his native country, China, which he cares deeply for. "The prize is to mark Chan's efforts campaigning on behalf of Wild Aid China and fighting to save tigers from extinction." (World Entertainment News Network) Jackie Chan's inspiration for charitable works stems from a desire to "repay the man who did the same for me." The man he's referring to was a benevolent stranger who reached out to a young, starving Jackie Chan inspiring him to do the same for others. His moral excellence, as well as his kind heart makes him a well-rounded person.

Photoshoot of Jackie Chan (Fanpop.com ())

He is observed to be a man of passions and convictions, a true hero standing up for what he feels is right regardless of the costs, or the immediate acceptance of statements made. "When Mr. Chan told a high level gathering of Chinese government officials and business leaders last weekend that the Chinese people were ill equipped to handle liberty, he found himself on the receiving end of a verbal thrashing from across the Chinese speaking world that is still reverberating." [New York Times]  Jackie Chan stood up to an inherent problem and supposedly "insulted" his people. He stood up for what he thought must be voiced to the Chinese public, remaining resolute in his decision, regardless of the consequences. Many people didn't realize or choose to accept the hidden truth woven through his words. "On the other hand few have publicly acknowledged that Mr. Chan's sentiments, even if' taken out of context,' as his spokesman insisted, are quietly accepted or embraced by many Chinese." [NYT]  Jackie Chan's words "struck a Chinese nerve" with the majority of his accusers secretly resonating with what he had said. Like all true heroes he chose to give voice to those too intimidated to do so on their own. Publically slandered in the Chinese controlled media for speaking from his heart he inspires me to do what I think is right regardless of the outcome.

(Rewalls.com ())

         Jackie Chan is by all rights a hero because of his audacious attitude, and honorable moral code. He stands up to Chinese officials in the face of potential death, and uses his time and money for charitable works. Jackie Chan inspires the common man to stand for what he believes in, thinking beyond himself and his average capabilities, to reach out and help noble causes thereby making a positive difference. According to Jackie Chan, "Do not let circumstances control you. You change your circumstances." Jackie Chan's priceless wisdom couldn't be stated more emphatically, may we wisely apply it to our own lives.

UGO.com

Works Consulted

·        Www.poemhunters.com. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. .

·        "CHAN TO RECEIVE WILDLIFE AWARD." World Entertainment News Network 28 Dec. 2011. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 17 Apr. 2012.

·        "CHAN TO RECEIVE WILDLIFE AWARD." World Entertainment News Network 28 Dec. 2011. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 17 Apr. 2012.

·        Bowles, Scott. "Acting isn't just 'Kid' stuff, it's serious for Jackie Chan." USA Today 8 June 2010: 08D. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 17 Apr. 2012.

·        BrainyQuote. Xplore. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. .