PWLS 2 Unit 3 2e A Lecture about Cowboys

Summary

The cowboy way of life, deeply rooted in North and South America, involves moving cattle to new grazing areas, a tradition that persists today in regions like the western U.S. and Mexico. Though cowboys are fewer now, some still embrace their customs, including outdoor living and working with cattle. Through the lens of photographer Rob Kendrick's book *Still Cowboys*, we learn about modern cowboys like Tyrell Tucker from Wyoming and Manuel Rodriguez from Mexico, whose stories highlight the enduring cowboy tradition, from the tough work to the cultural significance of clothing and practices like charrería and vaquero lifestyles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cowboy way of life is an ancient tradition in North and South America, centered around moving cattle to new grazing areas.
• 😀 Cowboys still exist today, but their numbers are fewer due to financial challenges and the hard work involved.
• 😀 Despite fewer cowboys, some continue to live the traditional lifestyle, riding horses and moving cattle.
• 😀 Traditional cowboy customs, like sleeping outdoors under the stars and singing near campfires, are still practiced in some regions.
• 😀 The Western United States and Mexico are two regions where the cowboy tradition persists.
• 😀 Rob Kendrick's book *Still Cowboys at the Start of the 21st Century* showcases modern cowboys through photographs and interviews.
• 😀 Tyrell Tucker, a cowboy from Wyoming, was photographed by Kendrick at the age of 18. He began riding horses at a very young age.
• 😀 Tyrell worked as a cowboy during school vacations and later left school to help with the family ranch.
• 😀 Life as a cowboy can be tough. Tyrell and his brother once lived in a shack with no electricity while caring for 2,300 cattle on a ranch in Arizona.
• 😀 The cowboy tradition in Mexico dates back to the 1600s, originating with Spanish settlers bringing cattle and evolving into a unique culture.
• 😀 In Mexico, there are two types of cowboys: vaqueros, who work on ranches, and charros, who participate in cultural events but don't typically work on ranches.

Q & A

What is the primary role of cowboys in North and South America?

Cowboys are responsible for moving cattle to new areas with more grass, as cattle need to graze on fresh grass regularly.

Why are there fewer cowboys today compared to the past?

One reason for the decline in the number of cowboys is that they often don't earn much money for their hard work, making it a less viable profession in modern times.

How have cowboy traditions remained intact in certain regions?

In some places, cowboys still ride horses, move cattle, and practice traditional customs like sleeping outdoors under the stars and singing songs by campfires, preserving the culture.

Who is Rob Kendrick, and what role did he play in documenting cowboys?

Rob Kendrick is a National Geographic photographer who wrote a book called 'Still Cowboys at the Start of the 21st Century,' in which he documented modern cowboys and their way of life using an old-fashioned camera.

What was unique about the way Rob Kendrick captured images of the cowboys?

Kendrick used an old type of camera to photograph the cowboys, adding a historical and authentic touch to the images.

Who is Tyrell Tucker, and what is significant about his cowboy lifestyle?

Tyrell Tucker is a young cowboy from Wyoming who started working as a cowboy during school vacations. He left school to help with his family's ranch and enjoyed the outdoor life while others his age were indoors studying or playing games.

What challenges did Tyrell Tucker face while working as a cowboy?

Tyrell faced difficult living conditions, including working on a ranch with no electricity, living in a small shack, and eating simple meals like pancakes and potatoes daily. Despite these challenges, he enjoyed the work.

What is the history of cowboy culture in Mexico?

The cowboy tradition in Mexico began in the 1600s when Spanish settlers brought cattle to the region. The tradition of working with cattle on large ranches developed, and Mexican cowboys, known as 'baqueros,' also influenced cowboy culture in the United States.

What are the differences between vaqueros and charros in Mexico?

Vaqueros work with cattle on ranches, particularly in northern Mexico, and live outdoors for extended periods. Charros, on the other hand, are part of Mexican popular culture, wearing beautiful cowboy clothing and participating in competitive events called 'chariadas,' though they do not typically work on ranches.

How did Manuel Rodriguez become involved in the cowboy tradition?

Manuel Rodriguez began working as a vaquero at the age of four, helping his family at La Mora Ranch in Mexico. He continued this work into adulthood and was planning to return to the ranch after moving to the city and starting his own family.