Introduction: The Culture of Negation -- Terms of Mythology -- Cibola : Seven Cities of Gold -- The Horse, the Native American, the Vaquero, and the Cowboy -- Greater Glory : For God, Church, and King -- The Long-gone Harm of the Dons -- The Not So Wild Frontier -- Guerra! War! -- Gold in Them Hills -- Song of the Banditos -- The Sins of Katy Jurado -- Western Icons -- The Vaquero Sunset.
Summary:
"Early Anglo settlers in the Old West crafted negative images of Latinos in part to help justify the takeover of land occupied by Mexicans and Spaniards at the time. Unfortunately, these depictions were perpetuated throughout the 20th century in art, popular culture, and media...eventually reshaping the narrative of the American West to the exclusion of the non-Anglo people. This book contrasts dominant lore with historical reality to provide a broad overview of the history and contributions of Latinos in the Old West. Author D.H. Figueredo sets out to debunk the myths and falsehoods of the American West by chronicling the cultural perceptions that led to such historical inaccuracies. Through spellbinding accounts, chapters address such topics as the legends behind the caballeros, Mexican culture in the Old West, and the search for cities of gold in the Southwest. Arranged chronologically and thematically, the book examines how popular culture diminished the role of the Mexican vaqueros and illustrates how the image of the Anglo cowboy became the iconic symbol of the Old West"--From publisher's website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.