Blog#15

In the passage "About Men" Ehlrich describes the internal softness and compassion that cowboys and ranchers have despite the stereotypical cowboy image that we all perceive as stern and harsh. Ehlrich gives examples of how the cowboys care for their animals and the passion they contain when performing their daily tasks. In one instance Ehlrich describes a cowboy who nurtures a calf who was born sick back to health, the overall tone of this scene is very loving and tender and one who does believe in the stereotype of the Marlboro cowboy would find this as a surprise. Ehlrich finds cowboys as people of great strength who do what is right and have compassion and love for others, her purpose for writing is to try and show others just how wrong their stereotypes towards cowboys are. The overall tone of the whole piece is admiration, by giving examples and telling stories of these cowboys lives her purpose for writing is achieved.