Breaking the Sterotype of Rodeo Cowboys

There are increasing calls from those in the public, media and celebrities to disavow stereotypes and allow people to break through barriers. However, one sport that most people continue to misunderstand and stereotype, is Rodeo. While often those who participate in rodeo are perceived by outsiders as crazy, foolish and dumb, the same outsiders would probably be shocked to learn that rodeo cowboys compete everywhere from boarding high schools to state colleges.

 

Private School and University Life

While there are many cowboys who live on ranches and wouldn't have it any other way, there are also many who attend prestigious boarding schools. Not only do they participate in events such as team roping and steer wrestling, but often they surpass the academic abilities of much of the country. In some cases, they are even taking college courses while attending prep school.

 

Outsiders might think that once a kids leave boarding high schools, they will have to drop rodeo as their sport of choice, but that is simply not true. There are colligate rodeo teams in Utah, Nebraska and around the country. These teams are just like any other sport teams, and often there are scholarships for cowboys who qualify.

 

Dream Big

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, explains that college rodeo students aren't all heading back to the ranch after graduation. In fact, they explain that if you take a look at the 2014 University of Nebraska rodeo team, you'll see only one cowboy who met the traditional stereotype. The rest of the 20 person plus team, is majoring in subjects that are not directly related to ranch life.

 

The biggest thing to consider when you pigeon hole a person based on biases and stereotypes, is the possibility that you could be wrong. It doesn't matter if you are looking at boarding high schools or colleges, stereotypes can be inaccurate and usually flawed. That is why it’s important to take each person, cowboy, dancer and artist alike, on individual merit and the actions they are taking rather than lumping them all together. 

Ryan Muir is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.