Assignment
Edit/rewrite the below writing post.
Multi-Model Analysis
In the op-doc “I’m a Black Cowboy. This is My Story”, the filmmaker Dillon Hayes explores the history and legacy of black cowboys in American culture. The film follows Larry Callies, a Texas-based black cowboy, and draws attention to black cowboys’ significant but often overlooked role on the western frontier (The New York Times). Hayes’s main thesis is to show that black cowboys are a part of our shared history, and he seeks to shatter long-held stereotypes of who a cowboy is and can be. From beginning to end, the documentary provides vivid visual imagery and engaging interviews to craft a compelling argument and foster respect for Callies and all black cowboys.
The documentary is structured around the experiences of Callies, his horse training techniques, and his dreams of entering the country music hall of fame. It introduces Callies and his family, setting the stage for the rest of the narrative. Hayes employs footage of Callies riding with his herd, interviews with close friends and family, and scenes of rural Texas to emphasize Callies’ journey’s physical and emotional struggle (The New York Times). These visuals also provide an insight into how black cowboys have been and continue to be a part of American culture. The purpose of the documentary is to inform the audience about the legacy of black cowboys and to recognize the diversity of cowboys in the United States. Hayes uses various rhetorical devices throughout the documentary to effectively portray his message. He establishes a strong connection between viewer and subject by using pathos and interviews to depict the emotions of the people in the film. At the same time, Hayes establishes a sense of authority through logos by citing facts throughout. This effectively demonstrates the more significant impact of black cowboys on US culture and emphasizes the importance of their contributions.
The video is an effective and thought-provoking work of art. Hayes makes a compelling argument that highlights the importance of black cowboys to the history of the West and beyond. Through compelling interviews, vivid visual imagery, and the deft application of rhetorical devices, Hayes effectively and convincingly conveys his thesis. The movie sheds light on the history of black cowboys, which is largely forgotten. It demonstrates how to recognize and appreciate the contributions made by African Americans to American society (The New York Times). The target audience for this film includes those who are interested in the history of African American cowboys in the United States as well as music and film fans who like stories of unlikely success. The film’s tone is celebratory, with a combination of awe and admiration for Larry Callies.
The thesis of this film that African Americans have always been part of the cowboy culture and have left their mark on it is supported by definitive historical evidence. The film combines evidence provided by scholars who estimate that one in four cowboys were black during the pioneer era, along with visuals, interviews, and archival footage to illustrate Larry’s family’s connection to the cowboy culture. The film’s ethos is apparent in how the filmmakers portray Larry Callies as determined and resourceful, despite his obstacles. The film’s logos come from the evidence they use to support the argument, while the film’s pathos effectively conveys the struggles and determination of Larry Callies. These emotional appeals help persuade the viewers to accept that African Americans have always been part of the cowboy culture and have left their mark on it (Mazer 175).
It is difficult to say if anything has been left out on purpose, but some questions still need to be addressed. For example, what drove Larry Callies to pursue his dream of becoming a successful musician? Was it simply a passion for music or something else? Also, the film does not address how the racism of the times affected Larry’s journey and determination. The argument does not seem biased, providing a balanced view of the topic. The documentary does not present any opinion but instead presents the facts and allows the audience to conclude.
The only confusing aspect of the film is that it does not explicitly explain why African Americans were not portrayed in popular media as cowboys. It would have been beneficial for the filmmakers to include this in the film (Mazer 175). The film’s musical accompaniment is an instrumental country/western score, effectively building suspense and emotion throughout the narrative.
There are a few features that make this film successful:
The vivid visuals and interviews help to illustrate the story of Larry Callies.
The score helps to set the tone of the documentary.
The film effectively conveys the emotion and determination of Larry Callies, making the audience root for him and his success.
Overall, this film is a powerful exploration of the often-overlooked history of African American cowboys in the United States. This film also successfully brings to light a previously overlooked aspect of American history and culture. Focusing on the story of one man, it provides an intimate portrait of how African Americans defied the odds to become part of the cowboy culture. The filmmakers also illustrate the lasting legacy of African American cowboys by showing their influence on modern-day country music.
Works Cited
The NewYork Times: I’m a Black Cowboy. This is My Story. | Op-Docs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWlLNIGIbd0
Mazer, Sharon. “Donald Trump shoots the match.” TDR/The Drama Review 62.2 (2018): 175-200.
