Dialogue 1

N: To make a long story short, I prefer seeing westerns to reading about Indians.

B: No way! That’s just not true. There is nothing like reading. It's much more absorbing than the abridged screen versions. While reading, your imagination is restricted neither by actors’ appearances nor by their way of doing things. I'm virtually never satisfied with the screen versions.

N: I see your point, but you can't deny that westerns are far more dynamic and thrilling. They show your male strength in fist fights, gun fighting, and horse riding skills, hardiness and courage, real manhood, a true American, in a word.

B: Oh, that's your ideal of manliness and your idea of a true American, is it? Why, your hero seems to lack intelligence and moral sensitivity, doesn't he? As for a true American, we'd better ask Mr. Warner and David.

N: Sure. Hey, Dave, I've been arguing with Mary about true American character. You see, the English are said to be prime, the French are considered full of life, the Finnish are believed to be taciturn, the Spanish are known to be proud, the German-pedantic, the Russian - hospitable and so on and so forth.

Mr. W: That's true. There certainly exist features common to all Americans in spite of their personal differences. They are our common national values and beliefs, and those wishing to become. Americans have to accept them.

N: But a certain stereotype does exist. Many think Americans are open-hearted, straightforward, cheerful, relaxed and tough.

D: It seems to come from the westerns idealizing "macho-men". A macho-man is a physically tough and rugged guy standing alone. He can meet all the dangers of life and is strong enough to protect not only himself. And this beloved character lives on in detective films, thrillers and melodramas.

Mr. W: This idea is not groundless. It stems from the early stages of American history when the first immigrants stepped on American soil. They came with the aim of becoming free, independent and happy. They wanted to obey no one, neither government nor church. They sought individual freedom, equality and prosperity for everyone regardless of background and birth. But first they had to settle in the unexplored land, develop it by conquering the wilderness which had many dangers and surprises in store, including the hostile Indians. It was only natural that in those conditions people respected the ability to win, to be energetic, and valued what a person can do in the here and now by himself, not the kind of family he had come from. They also valued the ability to invent and experiment while overcoming difficult obstacles, with no tools at hand, the only tools being one's head and hands. This is where the main traits of the American national character, values, and beliefs come from.

N: So it was values that made character. Sometimes it's not easy to understand what values stand for. We are glad you are telling us, Mr. Warner.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-26