I think some of the reasons why outlaws like Jesse James, Dillinger, and Bonnie and Clyde were famous in their own times are related to why they are “legendary” now.
According to Richard White, what made the bandits social bandits was that the were forced into becoming outlaws because of acts by the government and because they were seen as criminals by the authority. They only became criminals because of the circumstances that they had to grow through or because of previous, scarring run ins with the authorities. Members of his community, however, still respected them and would help them out when they needed help. Also to members in their community, they were seen as modern day Robin Hoods and only killed in self-defense or revenge. Even though they did kill, they had morals and codes. The outlaws that stuck to these morals and codes were deemed untouchable unless they were betrayed by a friend. They also handled things on a more personal level opposed to on a political level like radicals and their supporters. They were greatly supported because they were going against the things that were holding them back during that time period. They were also great symbols of masculinity, which was greatly needed during the Great Depression era. A man that could right his wrongs and seeking revenge was found very appealing during an era where everything was newly industrialized.
Some of the reasons that bandits are remembered today are the same as the reasons they were remembered during their time. One of the reasons that they are remembered both today and at their time is because of the importance of masculinity. Also, the importance of individualism is just as stressed today as it was during the time of the bandits. But, there are some other reasons that these outlaws are remembered differently now than what they were during their time. One reason is because of the sexual appeal of the bandits. In Remembering John Dillinger, the author mentions how “the legend of his enormous member a generation after extended and literalized the wildly reported fact that sex was central to the story and that women were attracted to him”. It was remembered how he died with two women on his arms. Sexuality is also capitalized on in the story of Bonnie and Clyde. The outlaws were also remembered as a warning of the dangers of the cities. Also, the style was capitalized on after the leisure things became affordable to most families. And in Bonnie and Clyde, feminism also became important.