Gunslinging Justice: The American Culture of Gun Violence in Westerns and the Law

This book explores the cultural history of the interplay between the Western genre and American gun rights and legal paradigms, sanctifying the use of gun violence by private citizens and specifying the conditions under which such violence may be legally justified.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate cultural tapestry that weaves together the Western genre, American gun rights, and legal paradigms. It traces the historical evolution of a symbiotic relationship, where the interplay between these elements has shaped and sanctified the use of gun violence by private citizens. From the muskets held by landed gentry in their struggle against tyrannical governments to the hidden pistols kept for self-defense, the historical development of intertwined legal and cultural discourses has established the parameters within which such violence can be deemed legally justified. Gunslinging justice takes us on a journey to explore how the Western genre has imaginatively crafted new justifications for gun violence, which American law seems eager to embrace. Through a meticulous examination of literature, film, and cultural artifacts, the book sheds light on the ways in which the Western genre has contributed to the perpetuation of a culture that values gun ownership and violence. It raises important questions about the role of storytelling in shaping societal attitudes and the ethical implications of promoting gun culture in popular media. By examining the complex interplay between the Western genre, American gun rights, and legal paradigms, Gunslinging justice offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of narrative and the impact of cultural norms on the use of firearms. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, law, and violence, as well as for those seeking to understand the enduring influence of the Western genre on American society.

This captivating book delves into the intricate cultural tapestry that weaves together the Western genre, American gun rights, and legal paradigms. It traces the historical evolution of a symbiotic relationship, where the interplay between these elements has shaped and sanctified the use of gun violence by private citizens. From the muskets held by landed gentry in their struggle against tyrannical governments to the hidden pistols kept for self-defense, the historical development of intertwined legal and cultural discourses has established the parameters within which such violence can be deemed legally justified. Gunslinging justice takes us on a journey to explore how the Western genre has imaginatively crafted new justifications for gun violence, which American law seems eager to embrace. Through a meticulous examination of literature, film, and cultural artifacts, the book sheds light on the ways in which the Western genre has contributed to the perpetuation of a culture that values gun ownership and violence. It raises important questions about the role of storytelling in shaping societal attitudes and the ethical implications of promoting gun culture in popular media. By examining the complex interplay between the Western genre, American gun rights, and legal paradigms, Gunslinging justice offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of narrative and the impact of cultural norms on the use of firearms. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, law, and violence, as well as for those seeking to understand the enduring influence of the Western genre on American society.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526126160