Problem
One of the most important theorists on the horror film, Robin Wood, makes a distinction between films that are "conservative" (which support the status quo; i.e., tell us that what we believe and value is correct and will solve our problems) and "progressive" (which challenge the status quo; i.e., point out the failings of what we believe and value making us unable to solve our problems). Generally speaking, westerns are assumed to be conservative and horror films are assumed to be progressive. Using the westerns we have watched and Night of the Living Dead as your examples, argue for or against this assumption. Consider the iconography, conflicts, etc. in making your point.