Fort Bliss, TX –
On Saturday, Sept. 7 international students from the Sergeants Major Course Class 75 joined together at the Lee Blvd. Ballroom to socialize and immerse themselves in the Southwestern culture. While attending the Sergeants Major Academy (SGM-A) international students have the opportunity to learn about American history, culture and government through scheduled trips around the city and country each school year.
With the SGM-A being located in the city of El Paso, Texas, this social event serves to introduce and educate students on the unique cultures found within the state, specifically the Southwestern cowboy culture. Throughout Texas history the population has been ethnically diverse which contributes to its unique culture.
At the beginning of the three-hour event students were able to mingle and examine each other’s cowboy attire and address any misconceptions they had about the event. As this gathering only introduced them to a small portion of the food and line dancing some students like, Sgt. Maj. Joyce Akoi from Liberia were a little disappointed because she was ready to saddle up and ride a real horse. However, her disappointment quickly faded as meal options were presented that included barbeque chicken and brisket with beans, rice and a side salad.
After dinner students were given the opportunity to learn traditional line dancing. Joanie Garcia and Tommy Nations from the El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy performed a short dance routine to get things started. For many of the students this was their first introduction to line-dancing. Master Warrant Officer Guanggui Hu from Singapore said, “it was challenging to adapt to the dance style; however, the welcoming attitude of the participants made it easier to join in and an enjoyable learning experience.”
The Southwestern culture of Texas has roots in Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Southern histories. The American cowboy that is depicted today is descended from the Spanish vaquero; an expert horseman experienced in herding cattle with renowned lasso skills. Over time the lifestyle of a cowboy has changed, but the essence of camaraderie, resilience and individualism still hold fast in the culture.
Hu was most surprised to discover that the event had a “relaxed, friendly and community focused atmosphere bringing a sense of unity and openness among everyone and their Families.” Although, Hu is accustomed to a more formal setting while attending social events he found that “it reinforces the idea that cultural diversity adds richness to human interactions.” After experiencing the festivities Hu said, “I am now more likely to ask about and participate in cultural events to better understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds.”
Cowboy fashion is easily recognized by the iconic hat and boots that are depicted in movies and photographs. For the cowboy working on the ranch each item of clothing has a specific purpose. The hat is worn for protection from the sun as well as the wind and rain. Boots, usually made of leather were designed for riding or walking through rough terrain. Chaps were worn to protect the legs from thorns while riding through the brush.
Akoi has started to admire the cowboy style. “In my country we do not use this dress code ever, so I have only seen it in magazines and on TV shows. Seeing it in reality was so exciting,” said Akoi. Although, she had visited New York and South Carolina, the city experience did little to prepare her for the hot, rugged desert of west Texas. She leans on her military experience saying, “we are trained to adapt to any culture and differences, so we are not bound to a specific way and style of living.” She is excited to return home and take the cowboy fashion back to her country “to share with colleagues and remember the American Southwestern culture.”