When you go to any Western state, you see this romanticization of cowboy mythology everywhere. People genuinely believe it, and it’s been several generations since the actual cowboy era, so facts about the period are scarce.
The part that ends up being truly harmful is state legislatures passing laws based on perceived views of 'The Old West'
> People genuinely believe it [....] passing laws based on perceived views
The factual accuracy doesn't actually matter though. The laws are being passed based on the current generation's values. And that seems fine with regard to values. "Genuine belief" is kinda what makes a thought a value.
The part that ends up being truly harmful is state legislatures passing laws based on perceived views of 'The Old West'
Looking at you Wyoming.