Gender Roles In The Searchers

The representation of the traditional masculine cowboy figure in Western films has been a long-standing trope in Hollywood. John Ford's The Searchers is a perfect example of this, as the male protagonists embody this stereotypical image of the rugged cowboy. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in how the cowboy figure is presented in films. Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain challenges the stereotypical role of the cowboy by exploring the complexities of male relationships through a queer lens. This shift in the portrayal of the cowboy figure in Brokeback Mountain can be seen as a reflection of changing societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. In John Ford's The Searchers, the western tropes are presented in a classic fashion

The trope of the frontier is introduced when the west was untamed, and the fight for survival was needed. The film challenges the audience by showing the disappearing frontier as a stepping stone to the power male complex of Ethan Edwards (Ebert). Through the limited terrain and the need for a savior, Ethan Edwards is pushed into his role as the masculine cowboy. The frontier's disappearance is the beginning of the classic western. Ethan Edwards displays the stereotypical alpha male as the movie progresses. His actions towards women and the conquering nature of his character shows a step backwards in the sense that it displays a non-progressive movement. Robert Pippin announced that John Wayne is already an act of cultural appropriation through his quote, "As if we know who 'John Wayne' is or for that matter as if we know what America is" (Pippin). Pippin describes the film as a time when white men held power to the reigns of society. The instant connection between the setting and era of the movie links to the misconception that these actions are okay today. The Searchers offers a glimpse of the wild west through the lens of a fading

Ennis, the film's focus, embodies the traditional masculine role in Hollywood movies. He is often depicted as unemotional, as his reserved nature conflicts with others around him. Jack, his significant other, often challenges this tough guy persona. Jack is a free spirit who is not bound by traditional gender roles and challenges Ennis to do the same. Jack's presence in the film challenges the conventional power male complex that Ennis embodies (Leavitt). The use of Jack as a character symbolizes the traditional heterosexual standards often set in Hollywood movies. Brokeback Mountain argues for a change in the making of Hollywood movies. It portrays a version of masculinity not confined by traditional gender roles. The movie also calls for more representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the film industry. The portrayal of the cowboy figure in Western films has significantly shifted in recent years. Ang Lee challenges this stereotype by exploring the complexities of male relationships. This shift in the portrayal of the cowboy figure can be viewed as a reflection of changing societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Brokeback Mountain presents a powerful message about the need for a more nuanced understanding of masculinity in