True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#7)
Cowboys and men are two totally different breeds
"There's sharks and minnows in this world. If you don't know which you are, you ain't a shark." (Rip Wheeler, “Yellowstone”)
Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton - "Yellowstone" (2021)
“I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.” ~ John Wayne
Day 7 of True American Pride month. Today I celebrate the American cowboy. There is no person or image that best represents so much of the culture and values that epitomize the best of America. That's why the cowboy - from John Wayne in "Stagecoach" to "Yellowstone's" Rip Wheeler - appeals to so many.
The cowboy is rugged, independent, hard-working, honest, "Yes, ma-am, No ma-am" polite, and never quits. And he has a true internal moral compass - a sense for right and wrong - best expressed in the words of Woodrow Call in the series"Lonesome Dove"): "I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it." I’ve always loved that line! If you've ever had the pleasure of knowing a real rancher/cowboy, you know those things are true. I do.
Cowboys taking a break - TX 1907
I think every red-blooded American boy when I was growing up wanted to be a “cowboy” at some time. (Not sure about that today. Too many want to be “influencers” or “gangstas” now. Sad). And why was that? I read an online article titled “The Cowboy-An American Mythology”, by Daxxton McGee (link below) that sums up nicely the inspiring persona of the cowboy in American culture.
The Cowboy - An American Mythology
Here’s an excerpt of McGee’s insights:
“In dress, he is earthy and pragmatic; prepared to mend fences or fight brigands, but also flamboyant, with his jingling spurs, fringe chaps, and distinctive headpiece. In demeanor, he is a true stoic; a man of few words, his actions deliberate and tempered….while not a zealot… he is still a profoundly moral man….Most commonly, the cowboy is called to thwart the designs of some nefarious outlaw. At the same time, he is found bending the rules for the sake of higher goods. ….The cowboy is the paragon of an American soul.” (McGee)
And how many of these cowboy proverbs have you heard before?
"By hook or by crook." (by any means necessary)
"It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge."
"He’s all hat and no cattle." (all talk, no action)
"Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse."
"Don't squat with your spurs on."
"Never drink unless you’re alone or with somebody."
"That dog won't hunt." (That isn't going to work)
So, though there may be more "suburbs" than "saddle" in me, I salute the Cowboy. May that spirit stay strong in all Americans. And may we all ride off into the sunset with that someone special.
A “cowboy” and his girl - Bandon Beach OR 2015
Riding the Range - Sunriver OR 2021
"May your belly never grumble, may your heart never ache, may your horse never stumble, may your cinch never break." –The Cowboy Blessing
Yee haw to that!