The Old West: Reshaping the Myth

Rugged cowboys, high-noon gun fights, and Manifest Destiny—all images of the Old West in America. But what did the 19th century in the West really look like? Myths from books and movies shape our understanding of that time and place and even help define our values and culture. These stories often include violence, intolerance, and a stubborn individualism. How can we build a new more inclusive and compassionate vision of this period? This episode details the successes and failures of the 19th century American West and explains how this history can help us better tackle problems in society and in our lives. The interviews were held in Aspen, Colorado at “American West,” a program held by the Aspen Institute’s Society of Fellows.

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