Masculinity In The American West

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The American West There are many various ways that people depict the American West, from the heroic cowboys to the quick duels with guns. However, there are some general similarities between all these ideas of the west. The west is not only characterized by the violence, masculinity, or honor, as it is commonly. The west is also known by its humble farmers and ranchers, struggles of many due to economy, and the various obstacles women had to face. The Magnificent Seven, a movie, incorporates all the elements seen as part of the American west culture. These elements of the west include the rugged individualism of men, the masculine cowboy depicted as the hero, honor and loyalty, women and their obstacles, and doing right when it goes along with your morals. The basic ideas seen throughout the west are the concept of the western hero, masculinity, and rugged individualism. Cowboys became the symbol of heroes in the west. Even though they are often shown as being white, the first cowboys were …show more content…
Cowboys are expected to be masculine, brave, and honorable. Women are expected to be quiet, in the background, and expected to take care of all domestic duties. Villagers often aren’t the focus, but they play a big role in the culture of the west. They take care of the crops, of the women, and provide for and support each other. Anyone who goes against these three main groups of people are believed to be the villains, with different expectations. The right and wrong among people is determined by their actions and what they intend to do, even though the actions considered to be right or wrong are hard to differentiate. The overall concepts seen in the American west are the cowboys seen as heroic, masculine, and honorable, the women expected to only focus on work at home, and the focus on the acceptable violence and flexibility of law depending on a person’s
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