In this term paper I’m going to answer the question if the Western Myth and the idea of an
American Frontier are still current topics in modern day America.
The glorified myth of a frontier moving faster and faster into the unknown is deeply rooted in
the heads of the American people, since the first settlers moved westwards, over hundred-fifty
years ago.
It had an enormous impact on America’s history and on its national identity. But can this idea
of a frontier still be found today, or is it just a historically important, but today mostly
unappealing episode in recent history books?
Furthermore, I will try to find an answer where hints and connections to the myth of the Old
West - with its cowboys, lonesome riders and sheriffs - can be found in modern American
culture. Are those images of the wild, deserted West still topical and influential, and if so,
where. In which parts of life and culture can they be found, or are the Old West and the
Western Myth just outdated?
I’m going to carry out my researches about this topic with the help of the books ‘The
American frontier – Go West, young man’ by Prof. Dr. Michael Porsche,
‘The frontier in American History’ by Frederick Jackson Turner, ‘The Wild West: Myth and
History’ by Alexander Emmerich and several internet sources to illustrate and prove my
theses.
At the end of this term paper I hope to be able to point out, in which parts of everyday life in
modern America references to the myth of the Wild West and the American Frontier can be
found and which significance they have.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Description of the Western Myth and the American Frontier
- 1. The Western Myth
- 2. The American Frontier
- III. Parts of modern life, where references to the Western Myth can be found
- a. Cowboy movies
- b. Advertisement
- c. Political speeches
- d. Country and Western music
- IV. The American Frontier as metaphor in connection to other "frontiers"
- V. Conclusion: The significance of the Western Myth in modern day America
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper examines the continued relevance of the Western Myth and the concept of the American Frontier in modern America. It explores the historical impact of the frontier on American national identity and investigates whether these ideas persist in contemporary culture. The paper aims to identify instances where the myth of the Old West is referenced and analyzes its influence.
- The evolution and meaning of the Western Myth.
- The concept of Manifest Destiny and its connection to the American Frontier.
- The presence of Western imagery in various aspects of modern American culture.
- The use of the American Frontier as a metaphor for other societal "frontiers."
- The lasting significance of the Western Myth in shaping American identity.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter poses the central question of the paper: whether the Western Myth and the American Frontier remain relevant in modern America. It establishes the historical significance of the frontier in shaping American identity and introduces the research methodology, which involves analyzing various sources including the works of Prof. Dr. Michael Porsche, Frederick Jackson Turner, and Alexander Emmerich, along with online resources. The chapter lays the groundwork for exploring the presence and influence of Western imagery in contemporary American culture.
II. Description of the Western Myth and the American Frontier: This chapter provides definitions of the Western Myth and the American Frontier. The Western Myth is described as a romanticized and idealized portrayal of life in the Old West, encompassing cowboys, sheriffs, and the struggle for individual freedom. The American Frontier is linked to the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief in America's divinely ordained mission to expand across the continent, bringing civilization and democracy. The chapter utilizes quotes from William Gilpin and Frederick Jackson Turner to illustrate the prevailing ideologies of expansion and Americanization.
III. Parts of modern life, where references to the Western Myth can be found: This chapter explores the contemporary manifestations of the Western Myth in American culture. It examines how the imagery and themes of the Old West are employed in various contexts including cowboy movies, advertisements, political speeches, and country and western music. The analysis likely explores how these mediums utilize or reinterpret the traditional Western imagery to convey specific messages or appeal to particular audiences, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Western themes in contemporary society.
IV. The American Frontier as metaphor in connection to other "frontiers": This chapter likely delves into the metaphorical use of the American Frontier. It examines how the concept of a frontier, a boundary between the known and unknown, is applied to other areas of American life. This could encompass the exploration of new technologies, social movements, or political ideologies, illustrating how the frontier metaphor has expanded beyond its historical context and continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about progress, exploration and societal change.
Keywords
Western Myth, American Frontier, Manifest Destiny, Cowboy, American Identity, National Identity, Popular Culture, Metaphor, Historical Memory.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this term paper?
This term paper examines the enduring relevance of the Western Myth and the concept of the American Frontier in contemporary America. It investigates their historical impact on American national identity and their continued presence in modern culture.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the evolution and meaning of the Western Myth, the connection between Manifest Destiny and the American Frontier, the presence of Western imagery in various aspects of modern American culture, the use of the American Frontier as a metaphor for other societal "frontiers," and the lasting significance of the Western Myth in shaping American identity.
What sources are used in the research?
The research incorporates works by Prof. Dr. Michael Porsche, Frederick Jackson Turner, and Alexander Emmerich, along with online resources.
How is the Western Myth defined in the paper?
The Western Myth is defined as a romanticized and idealized portrayal of life in the Old West, featuring cowboys, sheriffs, and the struggle for individual freedom.
What is the connection between the American Frontier and Manifest Destiny?
The American Frontier is linked to the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief in America's divinely ordained mission to expand across the continent, bringing civilization and democracy.
Where are references to the Western Myth found in modern life?
The paper examines the presence of Western imagery and themes in cowboy movies, advertisements, political speeches, and country and western music, analyzing how these mediums utilize or reinterpret traditional Western imagery.
How is the American Frontier used metaphorically?
The paper explores the metaphorical use of the American Frontier, examining how the concept of a frontier (a boundary between the known and the unknown) applies to other areas of American life, such as new technologies, social movements, or political ideologies.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper?
The paper aims to determine the significance of the Western Myth in shaping modern American identity and its continued influence on contemporary culture.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Western Myth, American Frontier, Manifest Destiny, Cowboy, American Identity, National Identity, Popular Culture, Metaphor, Historical Memory.
What is included in the provided preview?
The preview offers a comprehensive overview, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is the purpose of this preview?
This preview serves as a concise summary to facilitate understanding of the term paper's scope and content.
- Quote paper
- Selina Schuster (Author), 2010, The Significance of the Western Myth in modern America, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233128
