Destruction of Gender Roles

Destruction of Gender Roles is a central theme of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. The cowgirls' quest to lead independent, unexploited lives on the Rubber Rose Ranch affirms the need for women in the 1960's and 70's to fight for their rights. Jelly Bean explains that she has always desired the lifestyle of a cowgirl. Growing up, girls and boys and encouraged to "play make believe." After a certain age, however, girls are groomed to be wives and mothers, or if they enter the workforce, no position higher than a secretary, receptionist, or telephone operator. Jelly Bean asserts that this is unfair because boys are told they can be anything: pilots, presidents, and astronauts. They're dreams are never crushed - nothing is considered too out of their leagues. They are pushed to achieve while girls are not. Thus, Jelly and the cowgirls are fighting for...