Cowboys and Spaceships

[EddMarkStarr]

Maybe the word I'm looking for is "Denialism". I'm hiding from the connection between cowboys/gun culture and science fiction.

Boxing Day always reminds me of an uncomfortable truth - I was the only boy in my neighborhood that never got a gun for Christmas. To be singled out by my friends was bad, but even the other fathers in my neighborhood noticed too. I can only imagine the conversations that took place among my neighbors.

My dad stood against the United States norm of air rifles as Christmas gifts for boys, and that stance put my father at odds against USA popular culture.

Cowboys and guns are more "American" than apple pie, and played a role in comic books, radio dramas, and TV shows about space travel adventures in science fiction. Not just for Christmas but all year long major magazines of the 40's, 50's and 60's ran sponsored ads for sporting goods that featured guns prominently. This was expected in magazines like "Field & Stream" or "The Outdoorsman". But Science fiction magazines, and comic books in general, were also filled with ads from gun manufacturers happy to tie the "Old West" as a companion to space exploration, "we're on course to outer space, with guns blazing all the way!".

Now I have a better understanding of what "sci-fi" television shows are up against. Every show has to have weapons fire - and plenty of it. There are enemies everywhere - shoot first, or be shot. My love for science fiction television and movies has waned as I've agreed more with my father's view of USA cowboy/gun culture. Now that I've come to terms with my upbringing I don't want to embrace "Cowboys and Spaceships".

 

[rareboy]

I think Americans see everything in the frame of reference of a Wild, Wild West situation where the 'frontier' always needs to be tamed by rough and ready obvious homosexuals with socialization issues.

https://play.google.com/store/movie...HlkVKJFTXxFsJTHgUfIaAqGWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[smokeshadow]

anyone getting a Cowboys vs. Aliens, Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig vibe?

 

[rareboy]

 

[EddMarkStarr]

Oh yeah, I'm already in big trouble with my Trekkie buddies. They love all things Star Trek, while not so much for me.
I'm worn out from episodes that begin with phasers blastin' and shields a raisin' - it all feels so 1850's to me. What about a real future?

Remember when humankind would have a Moon base by the end of the 20th century? The foundation for the first Martian colonies by the early 21st century?
Seems to me we're not going anywhere if all we do is drag the 19th century behind us like the chains dragging down the ghost of Jacob Marley in, "A Christmas Carol".

 

[ShadowCat]

I don't mind some cowboy ass in some tight wranglers better if shirtless wearing a cowboy hat and boots! Plaid boxers boots and hat is also acceptable!

 

[EddMarkStarr]

"I keep my spaceship in the barn"

 

[gsdx]

I'm worn out from episodes that begin with phasers blastin' and shields a raisin' - it all feels so 1850's to me. What about a real future?

... And starring John Wayne as Captain Smirk.

"All right, Pilgrims. Let's get these Starships in a circle!"

 

[Thad1527]

 

[EddMarkStarr]

... And starring John Wayne as Captain Smirk.

"All right, Pilgrims. Let's get these Starships in a circle!"

Ahhh, you can appreciate the honesty of the original "Battlestar Galactica" from 1978.
The series was upfront about it's Western-themed plot, even starring Lorne Greene, "Mr. Bonanza", as leader of the interstellar Wagon Train, searching for Earth.

 

[EddMarkStarr]

I like it when everything is out in the open, no hiding!
If Sci-Fi wants to go all "Galaxy Rangers" on me, have the guts to do it without all the lies.

But remember, back in the 80's, even cartoon space cowboys came with killer soundtracks.
The Galaxy Rangers theme made it on several gym workout videos - it was that good!
(better turn up the volume for this one)

 

[gsdx]

Ahhh, you can appreciate the honesty of the original "Battlestar Galactica" from 1978.
The series was upfront about it's Western-themed plot, even starring Lorne Greene, "Mr. Bonanza", as leader of the interstellar Wagon Train, searching for Earth.

Well, yeah. That and Richard Hatch.

 

[DepravedMuscleFTL]

I think Americans see everything in the frame of reference of a Wild, Wild West situation where the 'frontier' always needs to be tamed by rough and ready obvious homosexuals with socialization issues.

https://play.google.com/store/movie...HlkVKJFTXxFsJTHgUfIaAqGWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds