Reconciling the cowboy as a character
How can I reconcile the problematic nature of the cowboy character yet also use him as a protagonist?
I think the first and most important thing to do is to acknowledge and critique the problematic aspects of the cowboy character. At the. Same time one can also humanize him and explore his complexities. One should question the cowboy's actions and beliefs. This will portray him as a flawed and multi-dimensional individual rather than a one-dimensional caricature.
The most difficult part involves including historically accurate depictions of the injustices committed by cowboys which can help to paint a more nuanced picture of the era and the character himself. Nonetheless writing also involves a desire to craft a compelling protagonist, who can connect with the reader, or in my case, the viewer of the painting.