The American West / Uses movies High Noon, Stage Coach, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance to discuss the 'myth' of the American West and where the 'myth' comes from

The American West <Tab/>Picture it... John Wayne in a film of cowboys and Indians. Easy, right? Now picture a different scenario... John Wayne playing a ruthless entrepreneur who works with Indians to make money any way he can. The second scenario would be a bit of a stretch from the truth, especially considering John Wayne. But what is this truth that we are comparing John Wayne to? Is it real? …

…everyone traveling was a hero. Yet, as an audience, entertainment is key. Not only is it key to a film, but key to such harsh realities that did not necessarily always want to be remembered. Directors did a great job of making their films entertaining; and that is what it is, a job. Unconsciously, Americans see entertainment, but use it as a way to escape the sometimes all-too-real truth of "how the west was won."