Entering the Conversation

As you respond to each of the following prompts, support your position with appropriate evidence, including at least three sources in this Conversation on the American cowboy, unless otherwise indicated.

  1. Consider the following thoughts on the difference between myth and history from historian John Mack Faragher:

    Think of the word “myth” here not as a synonym for erroneous belief, but as the body of tales, fables, and fantasies that help a people make sense of its history. Like history, myth finds meaning in the events of the past. But unlike history, myth is less concerned with facts than with ideological essences.

    How much of what we know—and feel—about the American cowboy is myth and how much is fact? Is it important to distinguish between the two?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Consider the following thoughts on the difference between myth and history from historian John Mack Faragher:Think of the word “myth” here not as a synonym for erroneous belief, but as the body of tales, fables, and fantasies that help a people make sense of its history. Like history, myth finds meaning in the events of the past. But unlike history, myth is less concerned with facts than with ideological essences.How much of what we know—and feel—about the American cowboy is myth and how much is fact? Is it important to distinguish between the two?
  2. How have the myth and reality of the cowboy shaped today’s definition of masculinity? Consider examples from popular culture along with at least two of the texts in this Conversation.

    Question

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    Entering the Conversation: - How have the myth and reality of the cowboy shaped today’s definition of masculinity? Consider examples from popular culture along with at least two of the texts in this Conversation.
  3. View a classic Western film—such as The Oxbow Incident (1943), High Noon (1952), The Searchers (1956), or True Grit (1969, 2010)—and discuss the characterization of the cowboy in the American West. How does the film’s depiction of this figure reflect or dispute at least three of the texts in this Conversation?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - View a classic Western film—such as The Oxbow Incident (1943), High Noon (1952), The Searchers (1956), or True Grit (1969, 2010)—and discuss the characterization of the cowboy in the American West. How does the film’s depiction of this figure reflect or dispute at least three of the texts in this Conversation?
  4. Other countries, particularly those in South America, have figures analogous to American cowboys: e.g., gauchos on the plains of the southern cone of South America; the llaneros on the plains of Colombia and Venezuela; the vaqueiros of the Brazilian northeast; and the Mexican vaqueros. Research one or more of these and discuss in what respects they are similar to and different from the myth and/or reality of the American cowboy.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Other countries, particularly those in South America, have figures analogous to American cowboys: e.g., gauchos on the plains of the southern cone of South America; the llaneros on the plains of Colombia and Venezuela; the vaqueiros of the Brazilian northeast; and the Mexican vaqueros. Research one or more of these and discuss in what respects they are similar to and different from the myth and/or reality of the American cowboy.
  5. What about the cowgirls? The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame explains its mission: to “honor and celebrate women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and foster an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.” Who were these women? What made them famous? After researching this topic, compare and contrast the depiction of the cowgirl and that of the cowboy in American popular culture.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - What about the cowgirls? The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame explains its mission: to “honor and celebrate women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and foster an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.” Who were these women? What made them famous? After researching this topic, compare and contrast the depiction of the cowgirl and that of the cowboy in American popular culture.
  6. Imagine Sherman Alexie going to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Write a monologue from Alexie’s viewpoint, describing what he sees. You might do additional research into William Cody to inform your response.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Imagine Sherman Alexie going to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Write a monologue from Alexie’s viewpoint, describing what he sees. You might do additional research into William Cody to inform your response.