Westerns first began as a popular genre during the second decade of American cinema. The American public was looking for an escape from the reality that they were living in; unemployment, economic decline, etc. Many American people wished they could be part of a rugged group like the cowboys in these movies. They would often dress up and adopt the “cowboy look” to fit within this new reality. The popularity of westerns was quite apparent as they were extremely successful at the box office.
HERE ARE THE MAIN REASONS WHY WESTERNS WERE SO POPULAR AT THE TIME:
1. DISTANT FANTASY
The first reason why westerns were so popular is that they provided an escape from reality. With tough economic times, many people wanted to be a part of Jason or William Cody’s group. In the movie, they would often wear cowboy boots and hats; this allowed the public to fantasize about being a cowboy. It was their dream to be able to leave their current life for rural life.
2. ADVENTURE
People at this time were looking for something new and exciting. The Westerners created a new form of adventure for the American people. The viewers were able to see towns being destroyed and many cowboys killed in these movies. Many of the movies were based on real-life experiences, and thus many people could relate to or be mesmerized by them.
3. NEW MORAL CODE
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
4. ECONOMIC RECESSION
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
5. SAFETY/ SECURITY
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
6. MEN AND WOMEN
Westerns allowed the women of the time to be in the movie without being provocative or overly sexualized. The women were strong and could handle themselves in a fight; this is something that was very appealing to people at this time period.
7. ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
8. RACE
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
9. TECHNOLOGY
Westerns at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
10. THEATER
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
11. COLORFUL CHARACTERS
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
12. DRUGS
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
CONCLUSION
The Westerners at the time portrayed a new form of moral code. The cowboy would often do what was right instead of what others told him to do; he was his own man. This was very inspirational for the American people.
We hope this information was helpful. Thank you for reading.
