American History of John Wayne
American History of John Wayne
The definition of a true American. It can’t be found in any text, the possibilities are too vast. There are those who consider place of birth and citizenship, those who feel that residency is the only factor, and there are some that will not make a judgment unless an entire life is laid out. The definition is simpler than many people will choose to admit. John “Duke” Wayne once stated,”A man’s got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job (Pilar Wayne, vii).” To Wayne, that creed meant living his life as someone who would represent America well. That is the mind set of a red blooded American. John Wayne epitomized a true American by his concrete ideals regarding integrity and leading an good life along with his unconditional love for America.
John Wayne was constantly asked of his basic philosophy on life, to which he always responded with advice he received from his father. “1) Always keep your word. 2) A gentleman never insults anybody intentionally. 3) Don’t go around looking for trouble but if you get into a fight, make sure you win it. (Eyles, 11)” The words were simple and true, and seemed present in Wayne’s actions and speech throughout his life. He was patient with fans, even through provocation from them. His image on screen shown through to his personal life when he would talk about “having a good horse under you...the sound of a kid calling you Dad for the first time...(Eyles, 12)”. John Wayne was the ideal American, full of strengths, weaknesses, and national pride.
John Wayne’s love for America was a known fact. He said at a Republican convention,” I am proud of every day in my life I wake up in the United States of America (Eyles, 11).” Such an outward expression of patriotism lent support to those who were in doubt, Communism was a large issue in American society and Wayne opposed it completely. He did not want to see the America that he loved fall into any state of anarchy and this public display of his affection for America was admirable and right. This adoration also showed in Wayne’s movies. After making the Alamo, Wayne told the press,”I...