"myth"

During the period of late 19^th century, social environment of United States of America changed greatly with the influence of westward expansion ,due to a leap in economic development on one hand, and pains left by the civil war on the other hand. The virgin west, before the process of assimilation of immigrants and local residents ,is in a state of lawlessness, in terms of criminal paradise. Outlaws in this wild land left their traces and occupied a unique seat in history."James Gang","Billy the Kid", and "Wyatt Earp" etc. were held in reputation at that time. Ordinary people were confused whether they were outlaws or justice of peace,since they were mysterious gunfighters. The Line of distinction between outlaws ,gunmen and justices of peace is not so clear .Casualties from time to time diluted the cultural values ,religion and gender. Meanwhile ,legal and inlegal difference is not too obvious either.Ballads,folklore and literature depict the culprits, exaggerate and romanticize their criminal activities ,and a step-by-step construction of a "myth" in the image is built. Putting an eye on New Mexico,this article tries to combine specific backgrounds with sincere images of those outlaws,and explore the construction process of "myth", intending to get a better understanding of national spirit of United States and its philosophy.