But wannabes are nothing new. Like the good ol' days, real cowboys are able to bust a poseur with a quick glance. Wrinkle-free clothes without dust were a dead giveaway. Today, the type of boots, belt, jeans and the hat continue to tell all. But Silversides points out we're all guilty of posing at some moments in our life, such as putting on a cowboy hat when the rodeo's in town.
People tend to be too generous in their cowboy label and include country singers.
But Silversides says most don't rate since they haven't lived the life they sing about. Alberta's Ian Tyson, whose father's photo is in the book, is an exception, he believes. Someone who lives on a ranch like Ian Tyson, is a hell of a lot more authentic than Garth Brooks. These strong figures are integral to our history. This reflects western Canada better than anything,'' says Silversides, who worked at the Provincial Museum of Alberta for a decade before returning to Saskatchewan last year.