The Perfect Blend of Grit and Grace: An examination of cowgirls and their gender roles at the turn of the century
$5.95
humanities/philosophy
term papers
date published 22/04/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
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Every little girl at one time or another played cowgirl. Being a cowgirl is always much more fun than being a little lady, which is what all parents want of their daughters. Little ladies that wear white gloves to church, say their please and thank yous, and make sure their dresses are pressed. As much as every little girl wants to be a cowgirl, there were two ladies in the Wild West that did, and became key figures in the Wild West, even though they were women. Miss Lucille Mulhall and Phoebe Ann Moses Butler, known better as Annie Oakley, did more than just turn heads they were the beginnings of cowgirls as we know it. Some even say that the word cowgirl was invented just to define these two rompin, stompin ladies. In a time of Victorian ladies though, these women were not truly accepted as they dared to be athletes, wore pants, and challenged men. This forced the two women to hold a juxtaposition of two strong images: that of the ultra feminine prairie flower and that of the hardened, tough woman who was closely associated with Western men.
- Every little girl at one time or another played cowgirl.
- The legend of the cowgirl started in a land not too long ago, nor too far away.
- Annie proved to be quite the show-woman in show ring.
- Despite being a rule breaker in a time of proper Victorian image, she was still showered with affections from the public, the press, and royalty.
- Annie truly did become the first all-American cowgirl icon.
- It was often said that Lucille was far too in love with her lariat to give her attention to suitors.
- Lucille was also looked down upon because of her attire.
- George Chauncey also did more studies on 'sexual inversion,' as sexology and psychology gained popularity.
- Most memorable western pair in the fifties was Roy Rogers and Trigger.
