Whoa, didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes or cast aspirations on the blog. Actually, I never saw the show when it originated, and after seeing a couple episodes on cable I bought the entire collection on DVD simply because I couldn’t get that blasted theme song out of my head. That, and I’m totally fascinated by western stuff, though I’m not sure why. Yeah, I get the sarcasm. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got strays to round-up.
I am a fan, a baby boomer and was born in Europe. I first saw Rawhide in 1964 and became a fan when I rewatched it on cable 30 years later. There would be so much to criticise if one had a mind to.
The women’s make-up and clothes (those pointed bras … ). The attitude to women, ranging from grudging admiration to overt sexism.
The attitude to non-Anglos: only one in the outfit, and he is good-natured but superstitious, and addresses everyone as Señor + first name. Occasional visitors/migrants from other countries are “quaint” and usually need to be rescued, and are never fully equal to the drovers (one exception: Mendel in “The Peddler”). “Indians” are approved of when they want “peace” and stay in their reservations. Few blacks, all men, and fewer Asians.
But we like Rawhide. Why? Several well-written, well-acted, exciting episodes. The humour. The choice to include a character who today would be defined “not neuro-typical”. Several memorable characters. Favor, deeply flawed, not often likeable, often complex. Rowdy, well-meaning, naive yet competent, usually likeable. Most of us “ship” Favor/Rowdy, a few of us “ship” F or R with other men.
Sarcasm? I haven’t seen any in Stephantom’s reply. There isn’t any in my response. I hope you’ll stick around, but it’s your choice, of course.
… jetlagged, missing people, thinking about growing old and dying, accepting that I am an ex-worker. But …
… someone posted a picture of Bertolt Brecht, a poet and playwright whom I have loved for 40+ years, so I’ll post a short poem by Brecht for them. The rather clumsy translation is mine; if you can improve on it, please do.
I do not need a gravestone / But if you need to have one for me / I would like it if the inscription would read: / “He made suggestions. We carried them out.” / Such an inscription would honour all of us.
Was considerably cheered up when I opened my snail mail and found a lovely pirate medallion featuring a skeleton, as a reward for taking part in the Silverflint Big Bang challenge. Thank you, Jadedbirch and Mel, wow and Raise The Black.
… jetlagged, missing people, thinking about growing old and dying, accepting that I am an ex-worker. But …
… someone posted a picture of Bertolt Brecht, a poet and playwright whom I have loved for 40+ years, so I’ll post a short poem by Brecht for them. The rather clumsy translation is mine; if you can improve on it, please do.
I do not need a gravestone / But if you need to have one for me / I would like it if the inscription would read: / “He made suggestions. We carried them out.” / Such an inscription would honour all of us.
You raised me to respect the truth. To know it is the root of all virtue. I’m asking if you’re sending me away because you’re afraid someone might ask me what happened in this house last night and that I would tell them.
mici's campfire 