| The American cowboy hat represents a looks | | | | culture today. That is why it is fashion that is still |
| that is a true American tradition. A variety of | | | | worn by anyone from music stars to politicians. It |
| styles have come and gone over the years, yet | | | | is an iconic symbol that represents an undying |
| the popularity of the cowboy hat endures. It's a | | | | national spirit. |
| rare object that can hold such symbolism for any | | | | Americans also take pride in the strength of our |
| culture. It's likely that the American cowboy hat | | | | worldwide presence. Few images embody this |
| will continue to be a potent symbol and a popular | | | | spirit and boldness more than the old west. It's |
| fashion statement since it represents so many | | | | easy to see why some of our populart icons |
| traditional American qualities. | | | | have been actors from the big screen western |
| For many people today the image of the old | | | | movies, like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. In |
| west is full of ideals that are still held dear. Few | | | | that same spirit the cowboy hats worn by these |
| things are more American than the stories of | | | | legends have become symbolic of our tough and |
| hard working cowboys, moving out west to build | | | | gritty American culture. |
| better lives for their families. The premise of the | | | | All around the world America represents a land of |
| American dream strikes a chord for so many. | | | | opportunity. From the time of the gold rush of |
| Thus we find ourselves a long standing cultural | | | | the 1800's, people have moved westward to |
| attachment to this iconic fashion item. | | | | seek their fortune and a chance to grab their |
| The American cowboy hat is a reminder of this | | | | piece of the American dream. This time period |
| period of manifest destiny, when the nation we | | | | marks the point in history where the American |
| recognize as home today came to be. Thus the | | | | cowboy hat gained popularity in fashion. It is little |
| image came to remind us of our history and of | | | | surprise then that it has become an image of the |
| the men and women that sought to move west, | | | | both national and personal prosperity that has |
| tame the land and create the nation we love. | | | | driven so many people from around the world |
| More than our history, the American cowboy hat | | | | dream of coming to America. |
| has also become an icon for the values that drive | | | | It's easy to see why our young nation, relative to |
| our nation still today. The people of the United | | | | the rest of the world, clings to such a symbolic |
| States still pride themselves on a sense of hard | | | | piece of apparel. Even with the rise of technology |
| work. Few jobs are tougher than that of the | | | | that has all but eliminated the American cowboy |
| cowboys in the old west. It was a job that could | | | | of the past, it has ingrained an image that |
| be dirty, dangerous and tiresome, but it was also | | | | America has latched onto. While our culture |
| making a wholesome and honest living. This is still | | | | continues to change, the American cowboy hat |
| an important aspect to many people of our | | | | remains largely unchanged. |