AMS blog 1

http://www.pfiwestern.com/

The website I have chosen which markets the American West is one which sells various Western wear e.g. boots, hats etc. I have specifically chosen this type of website as I think this is the image that is most associated with the American West ideal that we believe today. It seems that the stories of cowboys and Indians, that have been past down over time, have become a part of American culture and modern day dress.

It seems that people who are fans of the stories and the culture that surrounds it, expresses this love by dressing in the according fashion. It maybe because cowboys in the stories were portrayed as strong, masculine man? or that wearing that sort of attire made them feel free and could then connect with the imagined west? Whatever the reason, cowboy boots, hats and dress is a way of promoting the American West, even though it may not be factually accurate.

An interesting thing to note is that a big part of the website, is the sale of Women's Western clothes. The American West is known to be a masculine culture; one of hardship and strength, so it is important to notice the difference between then and the modern day. It seems that the modern day vision of the American West is more inclusive of Women, which shown by the increasing market for women's Western clothes.

Overall, it is obvious that one of the key images that portray the American West is the clothes that are associated with it. It also seems that the concept of the West has not still tried to exclude women in the modern day and does include them in the traditions. Most importantly though, it is crucial to recognise that, even if the clothes aren't factually accurate or were even invented at the time, the clothing today is a huge part of the modern Western culture.