The perfect example of the western outlaw, “Billy the Kid” was an adventurous teenager in the Southwest Territories in New Mexico. After losing his mother to tuberculosis at 13, Billy got into trouble with his gang looking for food and a way to make a living. Billy was a “gunhand” and was known to have murdered 21 men through his skill with his pistol and rifle. He despised rich men and their oppression of poor farmers and other working-class people. Because of this attitude he has been labeled as a hero that embodied the ideas of the Populist movement. He was fluent in Spanish and loved the culture and food of Mexico. While visiting his Mexican girlfriend The Kid was gunned down by Sheriff Pat Garret. His last words were ¿Quien Es? meaning "Who's There?" as he was shot in the dark.QUESTION:
Why would a teen aged outlaw like Billy be turned into a hero by the Populist movement? What does the idea of a "Robin Hood" have to do with Populism and their goals for farmers and other poor workers?
