Are Westerns Simply American Myths, Or Can They Be Read as Contributions to Political Philosophy - Coursework Example

DRAFT Introduction The Western culture is usually equated to western civilization, at the same time, there are those who still refer to it as the western lifestyle. Since it refers it is deeply rooted in the way of life in Europe and its surrounding environments, it is thus also referred to as European civilization. The term is broadly used to refer to all kinds of heritage of various social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, the belief systems as well as the prevailing political systems. In addition, western culture also includes particular artifacts and technologies whose origin can be traced back to the ancient Europe. Since time immemorial, the term western culture has been used to apply to those countries whose history is strongly marked with the European migration. Examples of such countries include the Americas and Australasia. However, it should be understood that the term is not wholly restricted to the continent of Europe, but all the countries that make up the west. Features of the western Culture The western culture is characterised by several artistic, philosophic, literary as well as legal themes and traditions, prevalent in most of the countries falling in this category. At the same time, since the 4th century, there are other important factors that have been found to play an important role in the shaping of the western culture, some of which include Christianity, Germanic, Hellenic, Slavic as well as Latin among other ethnic and linguistics groups. A tradition of rationalism ahs also made an important contribution to the western civilization, this tradition has its origin from ancient times, then to the middle ages and then to the renaissance period further on in various spheres of life. Throughout history, the values and customs of western culture have been brought about from political thinking and reasoning. At the same time, of equal importance to this development has been widespread reliance on rational argument that favors freedom of thought, assimilation of human rights and values, the dire need for equality as well as democracy. Are westerns simply American myths? America has a rich history as a nation, more than we think it today, there are several stories and myths have been put forth to explain the most probable truth about the growth and development of America as a country. The question that has been rolling over several centuries has been whether stories created about the westerns should simply be regarded as American myths. This question continues to remain a subject of debate across most historical discussions; however, the answer to this age-old question lies in a clear understanding of the history of America as well as the concept of myths. As earlier identified, the culture of any country is a function of political, social and philosophical heritage of the particular country. A comprehensive study and comprehension of the American frontier can provide a better analysis of the events that have transpired chronologically to shape up the American and western culture. This way, it is easier to tell whether the western is simply an American myth or an active contributor to the present day political philosophy. The American frontier is composed of the geography, history, folklore as well as the cultural expression of life as characterised in the American westward expansions. This processes started with the settlements by the English colonialists in during the 17th Century and ended in the early 20th Century, following the admission of the last mainland territories as independent states. It is important to point out that the media has always given attention to the Western United States, especially during the second half of the nineteenth century. Others also refer this period as the old or Wild West, in doing so; they merely exaggerate the romance and violence that is characteristic of this period. Every community, society and nations has a heritage, a certain kind history that they cherish and passes on from one generation to another. On this note, the frontier history describes the creation and defense of communities, their use of land, development of trade and markets as well as the formation of states in the United States. it is a good tale, describing the conquest and survival, persistence and the coming together of people and their cultures which gave birth to and continuation of life of America. The story describes of the treaties that were made by other foreign nations and the native tribes that existed long before, the various political compromises that had to be made, the military conquest as well as establishment of law and order to govern their way of life. It explains how the people build their faming lands, ranches, towns and cities. It talks of how they made trails and dug mines to find materials for establishing infrastructure and trade as well as pulling in great migrations of foreigners from distant lands. The United States is said to have expanded, moving from coast to coast while driven by the passion to fulfill the dreams of manifest destiny. Historians have asserted that the frontier was not only significant to the Americans, but rather a process that transformed the Europeans and the entire west into a people. The is said to have largely contributed to the establishment and the growth of the values of the Americans as people who focused on equality, the process of democracy and optimism as well as individualism, it describes the Americans as people who always pursue self-reliance and where need be, they can prove to be violent. As generations came and went, the American frontier passed into history, this gave rise to the myths of the West in fiction and film, which is said to have taken hold of the imaginations of the imaginations of the people of America as well as foreigners alike. In general, history ahs proved that America is an exceptional country in the choice of its self image, this is a perception that has been held by Murdoch, a historian that has traced and written about the history and development of the American people. America has been a function and process of time, the country has progressively moved from its ancient past and produced a construct of the imagination that is equal to the America’s creation of the west. To this case, the history of the development of the people of America plays an important role in the development of modern political philosophy. It is believed that the frontier line was just the outer line of settlement that characterised the communities and states of that time. An analysis into the growth and development of the frontier indicates that it started and moved progressively westwards from the 1630s all the way into the 1880s. In this development, the west referred to the area that was recently settled near the boundary of the United States. In this case, the parts of Midwest and American South were no considered as part of the West. These regions are said to have had a frontier heritage along with the modern western states, something that has made them have an exceptional history and heritage. With time, the start of the 21st century saw the term “American West” used to refer to the area that was to the west of the Mississippi River. The American frontier carries a great history of the path of growth and development of the United States as well as the entire west. However, this history has contributed greatly to growth and development of political philosophy. Many people have followed this development with a great interest in knowing how the myths about political philosophy have influenced the west, or whether it is simply a mythical story. The philosophy of political myths Political philosophy refers to the study of various issues related to politics, justice as well as liberty and other issues. It also deals with the way these issues started and developed since time immemorial, in doing so, it makes a particular government become legitimate. In a more general manner, political philosophy is an activity just like other activities involving the conceptual understanding of the aforementioned. In this analysis, political philosophy examines the motivations behind such development, their particular development and other related aspects. The growth and development of the American frontier largely has a place in the development of political philosophy. Philosophical knowledge is important in the understanding of political, social and other developments from time immemorial. Social scientists have given due emphasis on the role played by politics in the development of myths. As external observers, observers have shown great interest into how foreign regions of the world have ascended their part of development. This follows the assertion that they were best placed to research and come up with solid recommendations and summary conclusions in this issue. The presence of myths among different populations that can be considered as being primitive is only as a result of their prevailing primitiveness, this follows the fact that politics can hardly be separated from religion Historians and sociologists have also devoted a great deal of their time and work to the symbolic aspects of politics. This development has seen the symbolic as well as dimension of politics move on to a higher level. It is important to understand that political myths do not only exist, but there are many theories that have been made about them. On one hand, social scientists have found enough reason to make discussion over this issue, on the other hand, political philosophy has been reluctant. One question that has run across many discussion and debates about politics and myths has been, why should there be a political myth? The answer to this question lies on drawing insights from previously sketched philosophical approaches. This can only be understood from the nature of political myths and the role they are thought to play in the contemporary world. By analysing the role of political myths and their significance, it is much easier to provide explanations why some theories such as the clash between civilians have strongly been criticized for being simple and naïve. It is through this analysis that many people in the world have seen world through this powerful lens, it makes people see, feel and act in a way that is considered more coherent. Political myths In many societies, there are certain beliefs and practices that particular members of the society hold with high esteem. This beliefs shape the perceptions of people and the way they act towards such related aspects. Political myths, just like other myths are important in documenting the path that politic has taken to the way it is currently practiced In particular countries. Political myths have witnessed a lot of concern in the recent past in a bid to follow on their development and significance in modern societies. Despite of the increased research and study on political myths, so far, there has not been a consolidated framework on the topic. Recent developments shows an increasing and ever-growing number of works and other activities on this critical issue. There are many subjects that are studied with an aim of creating their association with political myths so that there can be a better understanding of nationalism and the heritage of the state. This prevailing attitude towards myths has become deeply rooted in common language; in this case, they have an impact on political myths as well. Different theories that have been put forth have claimed that not all political myths are false. In this case, they treat political myths as mere objects, specifically those that advances claims to truth. Political myths should therefore be regarded highly especially for the fact that they are important instruments in the growth and development of different structures. In the recent years, the world has witnessed various philosophers beginning to mine films for their own philosophical knowledge and insights. However, some have remained to be skeptical about whether films can be reliable in adding to the body of philosophical knowledge. Following this assertions, there are those that have pointed out and proved that the use of films as well as other mediums that can be considered artistic in important in advancing philosophical knowledge. What has remained to be an issue of critical concern is how exactly the use of films s instrumental in advancing philosophical knowledge across the political divide and other spheres as well. A study that was conducted about Hollywood westerns and the American myths has seemed to provide a good insight into the development of philosophical knowledge. According to this study, it is believed that the great westerns make an essential and critical contribution to the field of political philosophy. To a great extend, they have been found to be important in the understanding of political psychology, something that provides an important understanding in human’s complex structure of passion as well as desire. This way, it is easier to identify and analyze the complex political structures that human beings always find themselves. Through giving attention to what westerns say, it is easy to enrich what can be described as reductive forces on the important issue of contemporary political philosophy. Political philosophy is thus an important subject that makes it easy to understand not only the heritage of the American society, but other world heritage as well. It is believed that the western is an important and essential genre that is characteristic of Hollywood’s film making process. The concept of Read More

This question continues to remain a subject of debate across most historical discussions; however, the answer to this age-old question lies in a clear understanding of the history of America as well as the concept of myths. As earlier identified, the culture of any country is a function of political, social and philosophical heritage of the particular country. A comprehensive study and comprehension of the American frontier can provide a better analysis of the events that have transpired chronologically to shape up the American and western culture.

This way, it is easier to tell whether the western is simply an American myth or an active contributor to the present day political philosophy. The American frontier is composed of the geography, history, folklore as well as the cultural expression of life as characterised in the American westward expansions. This processes started with the settlements by the English colonialists in during the 17th Century and ended in the early 20th Century, following the admission of the last mainland territories as independent states.

It is important to point out that the media has always given attention to the Western United States, especially during the second half of the nineteenth century. Others also refer this period as the old or Wild West, in doing so; they merely exaggerate the romance and violence that is characteristic of this period. Every community, society and nations has a heritage, a certain kind history that they cherish and passes on from one generation to another. On this note, the frontier history describes the creation and defense of communities, their use of land, development of trade and markets as well as the formation of states in the United States.

it is a good tale, describing the conquest and survival, persistence and the coming together of people and their cultures which gave birth to and continuation of life of America. The story describes of the treaties that were made by other foreign nations and the native tribes that existed long before, the various political compromises that had to be made, the military conquest as well as establishment of law and order to govern their way of life. It explains how the people build their faming lands, ranches, towns and cities.

It talks of how they made trails and dug mines to find materials for establishing infrastructure and trade as well as pulling in great migrations of foreigners from distant lands. The United States is said to have expanded, moving from coast to coast while driven by the passion to fulfill the dreams of manifest destiny. Historians have asserted that the frontier was not only significant to the Americans, but rather a process that transformed the Europeans and the entire west into a people. The is said to have largely contributed to the establishment and the growth of the values of the Americans as people who focused on equality, the process of democracy and optimism as well as individualism, it describes the Americans as people who always pursue self-reliance and where need be, they can prove to be violent.

As generations came and went, the American frontier passed into history, this gave rise to the myths of the West in fiction and film, which is said to have taken hold of the imaginations of the imaginations of the people of America as well as foreigners alike. In general, history ahs proved that America is an exceptional country in the choice of its self image, this is a perception that has been held by Murdoch, a historian that has traced and written about the history and development of the American people.

America has been a function and process of time, the country has progressively moved from its ancient past and produced a construct of the imagination that is equal to the America’s creation of the west. To this case, the history of the development of the people of America plays an important role in the development of modern political philosophy. It is believed that the frontier line was just the outer line of settlement that characterised the communities and states of that time.

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