Dave Pelzer

Dave Pelzergoodreads.comAccording to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hero is someone who is, “noble and courageous,” but that’s not the only definition of heroism. A hero is also someone who inspires others—someone who changes the world for the better. Anyone can be a hero—take Dave Pelzer for example. A seemingly ordinary guy who is able to use his voice to make an impact on the world. Dave Pelzer is a critically acclaimed author known for his many books about his personal experience with child abuse. Pelzer was born in San Francisco during the early 1960’s and has one of the most extreme cases of child abuse ever reported in California. Throughout most of his childhood, Pelzer was tortured and abused by his mother until he was rescued by Child Protective Services in 1973. Dave Pelzer is more than just an author with a unique story; he is a heroic figure because of his ability to persevere through his brutal childhood and his desire to empower and give back to those who have endured similar situations.

Pelzer’s ability to endure his violent upbringing verifies him as a hero because he shows a strength that not everyone possesses. As a young teen, Pelzer refused to let his mom continue her criminal actions towards him: “I deliberately disobeyed her every command. I knew she didn’t want to make a scene in public, so I walked in front of the cart...If my brothers made any comments to me, I fired back at them. I simply told myself that I wasn’t going to take anyone’s crap anymore” (Pelzer 142). Very few young people are capable of standing up to any figure of authority, let alone a parent. Pelzer proves his heroic status by putting himself in harm’s way to escape an even more violent outcome.When he was about ten years old his mother “accidentally” stabbed him. He was too scared to ask her for help treating the wound, so he did it himself. “Quietly, so Mother wouldn't hear me, I crept to the garage sink. I picked up the cleanest rag I could find in my heap of rags. I cracked the water faucet open just enough so to let a few drops of water spill onto the rag… I knew enough basic first aid training to clean a wound…” (Pelzer 96-97). Instead of just giving up and letting his injury get worse, he powered through the pain so he could show his mother that the only way she would win was if he was dead. He knew that he would have to be self-sufficient and that he would have to care for himself even in the toughest of times. It was significant to his heroism that throughout his childhood, he had to be resilient to survive. It shows people that no matter how tough his circumstances were he had to overcome them or else things could’ve ended terribly.

Pelzer’s asChild Photowordpress.compirations to give back and share his story have allowed him to empower those who have experienced a similar struggle. His survival inspires others to overcome. In a New York Times article, a woman says: ''Dave's books empower my 13-year-olds because he survived, and they think they can, too,'' Carleen, a social worker, says” (Jordan). Pelzer is a survivor, and through his work, he shows others that they can survive too. He has an unusual capability to inspire others with his story without playing the victim. He was able to make something out of himself even though he had no support. "I went from the worst case of child abuse, to receiving the Jefferson award." In other words, if Pelzer can make it, anyone can” (Aitkenhead). Throughout his life, Pelzer has become extremely successful. Through his success, he is able to show people that if he can do it everyone can. Pelzer has the ability to empower those around him. He shows that we can overcome our past exertions and make something of ourselves.

Dave Pelzer's ability to preserve through his difficult childhood as well as his desire to empower those who have experienced suffering akin to his own inspired him to become an author whose influential works make him a hero to many. He shows us that not only can we overcome our past but we can learn from them―that no matter how difficult our lives can be, we can prevail.

Works Cited

Aitkenhead, Decca. “Decca Aitkenhead Talks to Author Dave Pelzer about His Fourth Self-Help Book.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 26 June 2008, www.theguardian.com/books/2008/jun/26/healthmindandbody.lifeandhealth.

“Dave Pelzer – A Child Called It.” The Miles for Smiles Foundation, milesforsmilesfoundation.com/inspiration/dave-pelzer-a-child-called-it/

“Dave Pelzer.” Dave Pelzer Timeline | Preceden, www.preceden.com/timelines/34956-dave-pelzer.

“Dave Pelzer.” The MY HERO Project, myhero.com/D_Pelzer_LC_jms_US_2009_ul.

Dave Pelzer - The Official Site - About, www.davepelzer.com/about.html.

" Dave Pelzer." 2012. FamousAuthors.org 26 March,

“Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's Most-Trusted Online Dictionary.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/.

Jardine, Cassandra. “Dave Pelzer: 'You Don't Get over It, Just Accept It'.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 20 June 2008, www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/donotmigrate/3554740/Dave-Pelzer-You-dont-get-over-it-just-accept-it.html.