Typical outlaws or just criminals? I think it’s really hard to see why some criminals in the past have been viewed as heroes when their actions have resulted in people being killed, etc. I think it’s the way criminals have been viewed in historical context however because there aren’t really any criminals that are commended for their actions nowadays. I suppose the only similar thing we have are when celebrities break the law (even though they’re not really outlaws) like Wynona Rider (theft) and Lindsay Lohan (drink driving) and Pete Doherty (drugs) they’re not seen as heroes but they’re celebrity status usually increases! They get more media coverage and are seen as cool. Perhaps it’s just that what we find acceptable is different in the 21st century to what it was years ago. For example some people might see the ‘Fathers for justice’ or animal rights groups as heroes whereas others might see them as criminals for some of their actions.
I don’t think the image of the ‘outlaw’ is prevalent in our society today but our view of ‘heroes’ is largely determined by the cause and media status as it was in the time of Jesse James. I think if there was someone like Jesse James today he would be viewed negatively. His crimes are viewed more like a good story; perhaps because his crimes were in the past and so don’t affect anyone now.
The website below is a bit about Jesse James but it’s mainly the bit under ‘Popular Culture’ that’s interesting. There are so many festivals, museums, literature, and comics, loads of films and TV and even songs that mention/focus on him. It’s strange that an official ‘outlaw’ and criminal could be so intriguing to the audience/public who obviously like the hype that surrounded him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_James
This video shows the trailer for just one film biography of Jesse James:
I don’t think the image of the ‘outlaw’ is prevalent in our society today but our view of ‘heroes’ is largely determined by the cause and media status as it was in the time of Jesse James. I think if there was someone like Jesse James today he would be viewed negatively. His crimes are viewed more like a good story; perhaps because his crimes were in the past and so don’t affect anyone now.
The website below is a bit about Jesse James but it’s mainly the bit under ‘Popular Culture’ that’s interesting. There are so many festivals, museums, literature, and comics, loads of films and TV and even songs that mention/focus on him. It’s strange that an official ‘outlaw’ and criminal could be so intriguing to the audience/public who obviously like the hype that surrounded him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_James
This video shows the trailer for just one film biography of Jesse James:
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