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The class is named “Image of the West”. The goal of the paper is to show how the movie Dances with Wolves uses the western frontier to serve a cultural/political purposes. The paper needs place the movie in the context of the time it was written/filmed and the influence the time might have had on the movie. Since it was written during the Reagan presidency and filmed shortly after he left office it should mention Reagan’s influence on reviving the image of a cowboy (i.e. always seen going to his Ranch and being shown on a horse dressed in Western wear). This is a possible reason for the renewed popularity of the Western movie. Also another topic to mention might be the culture of political correctness that developed during the Reagan administration. During the filming of the movie the director went to great pains and expense to use fake animals when possible and for the dead animals they used road kill and carcasses of animals from taxidermists. The organization People for the ethical treatment of animals became popular during this time this might be something to mention. A lot of time was also spent on the correct use of Indian dress and language. Kevin Costner got special honors from “some” Indian tribe for his portrayal of the Indians. Any other events/conflicts going on in the world that might that have had an influence on the movie can be mentioned. The professor likes footnotes but endnotes can be used.