I actually feel that this is an area where our society is gaining ground. It might not seem so due to the types of people who get all of the attention in the media, but I think most Americans would agree with my students who said that heroes are those who do great deeds without getting recognition. Interestingly, most of my students also expressed a desire to be an everyday hero rather than a celebrity one.
Let me tell you, my job truly gives me hope for the future.