I come from the small town of Sidney, Iowa. Sidney is home to what was once one of the largest championship rodeos in the United States. For a small town, those are huge bragging rights. I went to Friday night football games to root for the Sidney Cowboys, and attended pep rallys, and school plays in a gym painted with a red and white bucking bronco logo. With the rodeo quite literally in our back yard, we saw many talented cowboys and cowgirls perform each year. While I have since come to question some of the ethics surrounding rodeoing, it was a part of my family's life in Iowa.
A couple years ago, I had a memorable discussion about cowboys with my conservative and sometimes naive parents. Mom mentioned how she saw a preview for a movie she wanted to see. It was a cowboy love story she explained, and she was certain that it would be one both she and my dad could enjoy together.
I tentatively asked if she was referring to Brokeback Mountain to which she replied, "Why yes! I think that is it."
In proceeding to summarize the plot as I knew it, I was careful to emphasize that the love affair is not a heterosexual one. This was vital as I knew such a detail would be important to her. She thoughtfully listened, and while she was surprised she had missed the whole point of who is in love with whom in the previews, she wondered out loud, "Do you think it is based on a true story?"
At this point, my father, who had been listening in on our conversation the entire time, could remain silent no longer. He quickly chided in absolute complete seriousness, "Of course not, Linda! There are no gay cowboys in real life!"
A couple years ago, I had a memorable discussion about cowboys with my conservative and sometimes naive parents. Mom mentioned how she saw a preview for a movie she wanted to see. It was a cowboy love story she explained, and she was certain that it would be one both she and my dad could enjoy together.
I tentatively asked if she was referring to Brokeback Mountain to which she replied, "Why yes! I think that is it."
In proceeding to summarize the plot as I knew it, I was careful to emphasize that the love affair is not a heterosexual one. This was vital as I knew such a detail would be important to her. She thoughtfully listened, and while she was surprised she had missed the whole point of who is in love with whom in the previews, she wondered out loud, "Do you think it is based on a true story?"
At this point, my father, who had been listening in on our conversation the entire time, could remain silent no longer. He quickly chided in absolute complete seriousness, "Of course not, Linda! There are no gay cowboys in real life!"
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My dad had the same misconception, but unlike you, I didn't tell him a thing :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, not sure if you track these things, but did you notice an incoming link from my site from where you clicked on the Mister Linky? I think that's what the purpose was, but I'm not quite sure. Thanks for trying it, by the way.
Sounds like something my dad would have said, but he would have been facetious. He didn't condone homosexuality, but he didn't condemn it, either. In fact, his older brother was homosexual.
ReplyDeleteAbi -
ReplyDeleteYou are the favorite daughter too, right?
Bart -
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought my dad was joking. Then I realized he truly believed what he had said. We can't take him anywhere :-).
Hi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteBeautifully told. The great cowboy love film (based on an E. Annie Proulx short story) is all about chaps.
Keep smiling
David
Oh, Bart! You had me laughing (in a sick to my stomach sort of way). If my dad wouldn't say that out loud, he would be thinking it. Sounds like our pops are two peas in a pod.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI just tell it like it happened. Thanks!
I hate to admit it, but I purchased this movie over a year ago. I wanted to play it at Thanksgiving and have a family hallmark moment. But my Grandson just about had a fit. "Gram, I am not going to watch a gay movie on thanksgiving". So we did not watch it and I just watched it last week. I loved it. I can't imagine watching this movie over a traditional bowl of popcorn with my Mom and Dad. Joanne
ReplyDeleteJoanne,
ReplyDeleteSeems like you've been a bit busy if you are just now watching movies you bought last Fall. Maybe retirement will help you catch up on your to-do list as well.
My dad was a cowboy as well. And I'm sure he and his 10 cowboy and cowgirl sibs would say the same.
ReplyDeleteBut the rest of us will never quite look at cowboys the same again.
By the way, I have to admit my favorite line from "Night at the Museum" is when cowboy Jedidiah says to Roman Emporer Due "I'm not quittin' you." That still makes me laugh out loud.
(that was Roman Emporer Dude)
ReplyDeleteDalene,
ReplyDeleteI watched "Night at the Museum" for the first time a week or so ago. I LOVE Owen Wilson. I LOVE Ben Stiller. So what took me so long to get around to seeing that movie? No idea. Great flick and yes, great line!