Kira Thompson - Wild West

The “Wild West” is a myth that remains true today. When the term was coined during the nineteenth century, it signified a West (that is now considered the mid-West) that was wild, as in unmarked. Pioneers following the construction of the transcontinental railroad braved the frontier and established homes where wilderness and/or Native Americans had reigned. The Wild West accommodated the more progressive Americans who welcomed the challenges of the unexplored territory. The Wild West also referred to the rowdy cowboys who set up “sinful” brothels, where pleasure was the guiding force for people’s lives. The West, especially California, continues to represent many of these “wild” sketches. Western states are making wild, unprecedented political decisions. California is the poster child for direct democracy, a status that does not readily appear to be wild, but certainly is. California braved the frontier of democracy and established itself as one of the more radical (in a liberal sense) states in the country. California has divided the power of the government among the general public to the extreme that only 15% of the state budget lies within the legislature or the governor’s control. The California school system, which used to be one of the most respected educational institutions in the country, has fallen due to the limits placed on its budget. The people of California took the principle of democracy, and ran wild with it.The West still holds “wild,” progressive and rowdy Americans. Citizens of the west coast are notorious for their innovative environmental attitude. While the rest of the country accepts the federal government’s approach to the environment, the western states mark a unique path to environmental action. Los Angeles can easily be compared to old western towns that beckoned the term “Wild West.” The local law enforcement handles the rampant crime poorly. The media exploits the pleasure-seeking celebrities for their many sins. Despite the negative characteristics of the “Wild West,” the West will continue to lure people. Perhaps it is the “wild” aspect of the West that most entices.