Ep 12. Adam Ruins The Wild West

In Adam Ruins Everything season 2 episode 12, "Adam Ruins The Wild West," Adam Conover takes on the myths and legends surrounding the Wild West. He explores how Hollywood movies have created a skewed interpretation of the era, from the glamour of Western saloons to the romanticized image of cowboys and Indians.

Adam delves into the darker side of Western expansion, uncovering the truth about the destruction and displacement of Native American cultures. He delves into the history of how white settlers forcibly removed Native Americans from their ancestral lands in order to make way for westward expansion. He also debunks the myth of the "savage Indian," which was propagated by white settlers and led to widespread violence against Native American tribes.

Throughout the episode, Adam challenges the notion that cowboys were the heroic defenders of the West. Instead, he argues that they were often violent criminals who used their guns to intimidate and exploit others. Adam debunks the myth that cowboys were all white, as many were actually Native Americans and Mexican Americans. He also debunks the myth of the cowboy as a rugged individualist, showing how cowboys relied on teamwork and cooperation with their ranching colleagues to drive cattle across the plains.

Adam also explores the role of women in the Wild West, debunking the idea that they were passive and submissive. He shows how women were crucial to the survival of frontier settlements and ranches, and how they played an active role in shaping Western culture and politics.

The episode also delves into the evolution of cowboy fashion, from the practical attire worn by working cowboys to the stylized costumes seen in Hollywood movies. Adam explains how the cowboy hat, boots, and spurs evolved over time, and how they were intended to serve specific functions in the harsh Western environment.

Overall, "Adam Ruins The Wild West" challenges viewers to rethink their understanding of this iconic era in American history. By debunking common myths and stereotypes, Adam sheds light on the complexities and contradictions of the Wild West, and shows how the real history is often far more fascinating than the Hollywood version.