Cowboy culture is the set of behaviors, preferences, and appearances associated with (or resulting from the influence of) the attitudes, ethics, and history of the Americancowboy.[1] The term can describe the content or stylistic appearance of an artistic representation, often built on romanticized impressions of thewild west, or certain aspects of people'slifestyle, such as their choices in recreation (including enjoyment ofWestern movies andmusic),apparel, andwestern orsouthwestern cuisine.
A portrayal of one popular aspect of cowboy culture inThe Herd Quitter byC. M. Russell
The origins of cowboy culture go back to theSpanishvaqueros who settled inSanta Fe de Nuevo México andSpanish Texas, bringing cattle.[2] By the late 1800s, one in three cowboys were Mexican, and brought to the lifestyle its iconic symbols of hats, bandanas, spurs, stirrups, lariat, and lasso.[3] With westward movement brought many distinct ethnicities all with their own cultural traditions.Welsh Americans, as one example, had a history in Wales of cattle and sheep droving, that incorporated well into ranch work.[4]
In the late 19th century,folk tales about cowboys and attempts to commercialize on cowboy life by selling exaggerated ideas of it in novels and fashion became popular.[5]
Beginning in the 1860s,dime novels began sharing erroneous and highly romanticized tales of the West, feeding the public's interest in the trade and life West of the Mississippi.[6]
Throughout the 20th century, radio, film and television had a profound effect on the fashion and mannerisms that built the foundation of what it meant to be living a western lifestyle, however most of this was more Hollywood glitz and glamour than historical narrative.[7]
In the 1980s, following the urbanization of much of the Texas population, there was a marked revival of cowboy culture with the creation of a number of organizations devoted to its preservation, among them the American Cowboy Culture Association.[8]
The following is a list of notable people who lived or are living a western lifestyle post to its technological and societal change at the beginning of the 20th century. This list does not include those of whom lived during the 19th century who were living in what was considered theOld West and preoccupied with the western norms of the day.
Bodacious, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and PBR champion title holder, "world's most dangerous bull," Hall of Fame bull
Bruiser, (2016-2018) consecutive three-time World Champion PBR bucking bull, 2017 PRCA Bucking Bull of the Year, in the running in 2019 to become first 4-time world champion
Little Yellow Jacket (2002-2004) consecutive three-time World Champion PBR bucking bull, PBR Heroes and Legends inaugural 2011 Brand of Honor bull
Scamper, 10 Women's Professional Rodeo Association World Barrel Racing Championships, 7 National Finals Rodeo Average championships, first barrel horse inducted intoProRodeo Hall of Fame
Scottie,steer wrestling, the chestnut gelding was able to take three cowboys to four world championships, hall of fame horse
^Davis, Kenneth C. (2003).Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned (1st ed.). New York: HarperCollins. p. 262.ISBN978-0-06-008381-6.
^Slatta, Richard W. (1996). "American Cowboy Culture Association".The Cowboy Encyclopedia. New York: W. W. Norton. p. 10.ISBN978-0-393-31473-1. Originally published by ABC-CLIO, : Santa Barbara, California, in 1994.
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