Research Paper on "Will Rogers"

Research Paper 3 pages (1006 words) Sources: 2

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Will Rogers -- American Intellect?

Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you. Will Rogers

One of the most iconic "wits" in American history was that of William Penn Adair Rogers, better known as "Will" Rogers. Born during the Reconstruction Era in 1879, Rogers was a beloved American cowboy, social commentator, humorist, comedian and cynical American wits of the 1920s and 1930s. He was the leading wit of the Progressive Era, and even the top-paid Hollywood movie star of the time. Rogers died in 1935, just as recovery was beginning from the Great Depression. Just as he lived life to the fullest with over 71 movies to his credit, he died in a flash of flair -- he and aviator Wiley Post crashed in a small airplane near Barrow, Alaska (Yagoda, 2000).

Rogers was born in Indian Territory, Oklahoma. His father, a Confederate veteran, was a leader within the local Cherokee society and active in politics and in helping Oklahoma become a state. One biographer believes that one of the reasons for Will's move towards adventure (he became a gaucho in Argentina and then worked in Vaudeville) was the psychological conflict between his father's responsible, high-expectations for a business minded son, and his more easygoing mother, and the personality clashes between father and son after her death (Roach, 1980).

During his run with the famous Ziegfeld in Vaudeville, Rogers' popularity as the all-American cowboy, sometime aided by Theodore Roosevelt's image as a western range rider, he "roasted" President Woodrow Wilson with political humor based on country aphorisms, leaving the audience roaring with laughter, the critics enthralled, and an editorial in the New York Times stating that "Will Rogers…. Is carrying on the tradition of Aristophanes, and not unworthily" (Give a Through to Will, 1922). With that kind of publicity, it was quick that Samuel Goldwyn brought Will to Hollywood, making 48 silent movies until 1929, and becoming one of the few who successfully made the transition to the "talkies." Throughout these movies he played himself -- ad libbing and working in his comments about politics, social life, and his particular views of what he considered to be all-American values (Will Rogers, 2009).

Philosophy and Intellect - Rogers had the particular gift of being able to say things in a way that on the surface seemed very common sense -- the views of the "common man," yet, powerful statements that were worthy of any philosopher. Despite the fact that he downplayed his credentials noting, "Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects," it was this very talent for self-deprecation and honesty that allowed him to be believable on so many levels (Sterline, 1990, 174).

In fact, Rogers became the epitome of the American cowboy philosopher as he travelled the Courts of Europe. Unpretentious in dress and mannerism, always ready with a smile, and ready to believe that there was a bit of good in everyone. In fact, one of his most famous quotations, "I never met a man I dident… READ MORE

How to Reference "Will Rogers" Research Paper in a Bibliography

Related Research Papers:

Will Rogers Research Paper

life of Will Rogers. In addition, we will be addressing the importance of his autobiography and other writings.

Will Rogers was born in the U.S.A. from an Indian family. His… read more

Research Paper 3 pages (925 words) Sources: 2 Topic: Literature / Poetry

---

Samantha Jones Like Will Rogers Term Paper

Samantha Jones

Like Will Rogers, Samantha Jones never met a man she didn't like! Samantha is a successful Public Relations executive in Manhattan, who also happens to be a sexy… read more

Term Paper 6 pages (1513 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Sexuality / Gender

---

Roger Federer Was Extremely Influenced Term Paper

Roger Federer was extremely influenced by the legacy of Pete Sampras but has surpassed him.

P2: Roger Federer has won 17 Grand Slams, more than any other singles player.

P3:… read more

Term Paper 2 pages (452 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Sports / Exercise / Fitness

---

Will Hobbes Term Paper

Will Hobbs was born on August 22, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents are Greg and Mary Hobbs. He is the middle of five children, with three brothers and a… read more

Term Paper 10 pages (3505 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Oceanography / Marine Organisms

---

Freud and Rogers Theory Research Paper

Freud vs. Rogers

Sigmund Freud vs. Carl Rogers:

A Discussion on Theories of Personality and Psychotherapy

Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers were two of the most influential psychological theorists of… read more

Research Paper 4 pages (1022 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Psychology / Behavior / Psychiatry

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>