New Mexico circa early 1990’s had a reputation of being a
cowboy state but after seeing the in 1994 with Kiefer Sutherland and Woody
Harrelson I was sure the connection was legitimately inferred and accurately
described through the lens of a Hollywood movie.
On the other hand, living almost 30 years
in this state I can tell you first hand there are plenty of “cowboys” roaming
that state and plenty more where they came from. This movie does no justice to
the real cowboy way of life in the country or open ranges but it opens the door
to the notion.
It could have well been Wyoming or Texas or even Colorado
but New Mexico was a good choice. It does
however in a very weak sense capture some of the culture and traditions related
to customs, traditions, promises and a wacky sense of duty or code to help
those in need and rectify mistakes or make good on things said and done in the
past.
Driving their beat up trucks and listening to their favorite
country stations it was and is a common sight to watch even in some of the big
cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe or Las Cruces. Cowboys in New Mexico are
still very much alive and the culture is still thriving for the young boys and
girls .growing up around the culture.
Cowboy hats and boots are normal daily wear for the real
cowboys and even those who wannabee cowboys engage in the facade as they play
the part as urban cowboys doing it up so well with their rhinestone outfits and
shiny belt buckles never earned and store bought for a good impression with the
girls.
Cowgirls on the other hand like to look at these four wheel
drive trucks and peek or gander at the most opportune moment to see if the guy
behind the wheel is a cute country boy listening to Cash, Hank, Willie and
Waylon.
These boys aren’t cowboys if they aren’t listening to a good
tune by those already mentioned or George Strait and some of the other boys whose
songs and lyrics will put them in the mood for love so it seems.
The
word “cowboy” is a noun meaning a reckless or irresponsible person, especially
a show-off or one who undertakes a dangerous or sensitive task heedlessly. The
word “hick” is also a noun meaning “an unsophisticated, boorish, and provincial
person.” Finally, the word “redneck” is a noun meaning “an uneducated white
farm laborer, especially from the South.
Depending
on the time of the evening or night there could be a delicate situation here
where all of the above can appear before the night is over. It all depends on how much beer or whisky they
have consumed. Fortunately one can find them all in one place as it depends how
drunk they are for you to tag them with the right label.
Funny
how that corresponds to the image of ranch hands, a herd of cattle, a rodeo or
other farm like setting rather than horses, wide open country and bars. It seems
there is no relationship there at all but when you put it all together, you
have captured the culture.
Everyone
including myself dressed the part feeling as though I had transitioned into a
fashion world of plaid shirts, worn out jeans, and cowboy boots which seemed to
be a common casual fashion trend during the moment. Going out to a nightclub
prompted me to dress in a rodeo fashion and the hardest decision I had to make
was black hat or white hat depending what mood I was in.
The
fact was before you reached the country western nightclub you were entertained
by men and their women who found good tail gate party spots near the city
limits and parked their jacked-up trucks and jeeps while they played drinking
games such as “stump” that included a tree stump, nails, and the steady throw
of a hammer. Cruising the main strips
later on they would shout and holler out their windows to get the attention
they needed to feel like a part of the crowd.
On
weekends and holidays they are found roaming the county fairs and rodeos. The small
town of Belen has a fantastic rodeo event each and every year and you had to
come early to witness the roping, barrel racing, wrangling and most of all the
cookouts of foods prepared for those who like BBQ on their lips and roasted
chili on the side. After all, the arena is only so large and most of the time
its standing room only.
They
would display their American pride with flags, and boast about their success in
hunting and off-roading from the past as they drank cheap beer and whiskey. The
lyrics to all the typical country songs that I had previously heard seemed to
be perfectly fitting right for me as it gave me an exact visual of what a
cowboy should look like and act.
There
is no doubt that people will always stereotype the country genre with cowboys and
its coinciding lifestyle is one that many New Mexicans are guilty of living and
very much enjoying. Country living can be fun and going to the city would be a
great night out on the town while you drive your pickup truck to the nearest
nightclub or bar where it fits right in with the other.
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