Imaginary Wests and Wild West Spaces in Europe: What They Say about How Europeans View the United States

FAIN: FT-54176-06

Ruth Ellen Gruber
Unaffiliated Independent Scholar (Morre (TR) 05020 Italy)

Continuing and consolidating ongoing on-site research for a book project on how (and why) contemporary Europeans imagine, adapt, appropriate and reinvent the American West. My aim is to show, in a hands-on, personal way, how Europeans have taken a national American myth, transformed it, and made it not only a myth of their own, but an integral part of European vision and vernacular in navigating an often uneasy attachment to the United States. I am documenting the phenomenon and analyzing it as a sometimes cracked mirror reflecting European understanding and misunderstanding of America. But I also see it as a prism through which to examine broader issues of cultural attraction, authenticity and identity-building.

Media Coverage

emp 2008 (Media Coverage)
Publication: 17 Dots
Date: 4/15/2008
Abstract: By far the most fascinating presentation of the conference for me. Gruber started a slideshow of more than 200 pictures as she began her talk that showed various Germans and Czechs dressed up in country music, cowboy, Union and Confederate soldier and Indian garb.
URL: http://17dots.com/2008/04/15/emp-2008/

Associated Products

Sauerkraut Cowboys (Web Resource)
Title: Sauerkraut Cowboys
Author: Ruth Ellen Gruber
Abstract: A continuing blog devoted to the imaginary wild west in Europe
Year: 2008
Primary URL: http://sauerkrautcowboys.blogspot.com

Shuttle to Bethlehem (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Shuttle to Bethlehem
Writer: Ruth Ellen Gruber
Writer: Druha Trava
Producer: Lubos Malina
Abstract: First CD of the Czech country/bluegrass/rock/fusion band Druha Traval to mainly feature definitive English language versions of singer-songwriter-frontman Robert Krestan's songs. I did the translations, wrote the liner notes, helped with recording.
Date: 10/17/2011
Primary URL: http://www.druhatrava.com
Primary URL Description: Druha Trava's US web site
Secondary URL: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/druhatrava
Secondary URL Description: CD's US distributor
Format: CD

Sturm, Twang and Sauerkraut Cowboys: Western Music in Europe (Article)
Title: Sturm, Twang and Sauerkraut Cowboys: Western Music in Europe
Author: Ruth Ellen Gruber
Abstract: Article in "Western Way" Magazine
Year: 2009
Primary URL: http://www.westernmusic.com/pdfs/ww2009summer.pdf
Format: Magazine

“Beyond Virtually Jewish: New Authenticities and Real Imaginary Spaces in Europe.” (Article)
Title: “Beyond Virtually Jewish: New Authenticities and Real Imaginary Spaces in Europe.”
Author: Ruth Ellen Gruber
Abstract: The Virtually Jewish meets the Imaginary Wild West Jewish Quarterly Review. Vol 99, No. 4 (Fall, 2009)
Year: 2009
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Jewish Quarterly Review

Sturm, Twang and Sauerkraut Cowboys: Country Music and Wild Western Spaces in Europe (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Sturm, Twang and Sauerkraut Cowboys: Country Music and Wild Western Spaces in Europe
Author: Ruth Ellen Gruber
Abstract: Panoramic illustrated discussion about the imaginary wild west and country music in Europe.
Date: 4/11/2008
Conference Name: The Pop Conference, Experience Music Project, Seattle, WA.

Sturm, Twang and Sauerkraut Cowboys (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Sturm, Twang and Sauerkraut Cowboys
Author: Ruth Ellen Gruber
Abstract: Panoramic illustrated talk on wild western spaces and country music in Europe
Date: 5/22/2008
Conference Name: International Country Music Conference, Nashville

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