Last week the University of Wyoming unveiled their new marketing campaign “The World Needs More Cowboys.” Some professors and students criticized the slogan saying the term "Cowboy" is racist and sexist.  Despite protests and objections, the University of Wyoming kept the slogan and is planning on continuing with the campaign.  

As a University of Wyoming alumna, I was very proud to see that the university did not back down just because a few people were offended. This goes hand in hand with what a Cowboy represents. 

A Cowboy is a hardworking American that stands for what they believe in. It doesn’t matter your size, shape, race, color, if you’re a man or woman.  Those things don’t make you a Cowboy. Your actions and ideals do. 

A Cowboy is also a hardworking, honest, dependable person that rides for the brand and always upholds to the Code of the West. I believe Chad Baldwin, a spokesman for University of Wyoming, summed it up perfectly with this:

A cowboy is not what you are, but who you are.

Code of the West - I remember this code posted in the halls at the university while I was in school in Laramie.

  1. Live each day with courage
  2. Take pride in your work
  3. Always finish what you start
  4. Do what has to be done
  5. Be tough, but fair
  6. When you make a promise, keep it
  7. Ride for the brand
  8. Talk less and say more
  9. Remember that some things aren't for sale
  10. Know where to draw the line

The people who can call themselves Cowboys follow the code. I think Cowboys also include our police, military, firefighters, ranchers, teachers, farmers, truck drivers and anyone who wakes up each day and lives with the Code of the West close to their heart.

I feel like today, more than ever, we NEED more Cowboys. 

It may not be politically correct, but I stand with the University of Wyoming. I hope you will too and be sure to live your life as a Cowboy.

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