II.The Return to the Traditional Concept of Presonal Heroism

2.1 The Traditional Concept of Heroism

2.1.1 Confidence

The United States is “future oriented” country, which is the determinant of American traditional notions to positive and optimistic spirit. In 60s of the last century, the Vietnam War and many dark events caused strong dissatisfaction and rebellion by the younger generation(Y. Liu 34-37). The confusions of reality and future make them choose to escape from reality and negate rationality. But as time goes by, everything Jenny does lost meaning. “Hippie” gradually exits the stage of history.

Forrest Gump, on the contrary, maybe his low IQ made him do not understand Jenny and youth in that era, but in his inner word there are positive and optimistic spirit of American. For his defect, he does not feel upset, because his mother had told him “ stupid is as stupid does”, “Life was like a box of chocolates(Rich and Frank 12-23). You never know what you will get”. His mother in the way that he can understand educates him to have confidence in himself and believe in the future, keep the dream of the future. With positive and optimistic attitude, he makes brilliant achievements in the stadium, Vietnam battle field and the business field. He rescued Captain Dan in a dangerous battlefield, and brought great changes to his life. We can see that a “ silly boy” who has no background, no wealth without even a standard IQ under the confidence getting success.