VR
Response 03
I am part of the Latino community and I feel more precisely connected to the Chicano culture due to my Mexican roots. Chicano is a term used to represent Mexican-Americans and it started to be used as a way to express pride. As though I wasn’t born in the United States, I share a similar experience in the sense that as many grandparents or parents who at some point had to go north in search of better opportunities, my parents simply decided to go even more north. Just like many Mexican-Americans, I don’t necessarily feel like I am part of one particular side, as I am not rooted in neither. In Mexico, we are considered American or Canadian in my case but here I am seen as a Mexican. I feel like I have much more in common with my cousins born in California than I do with those born in Mexico in terms of the traditional food we eat at home and catholic beliefs we share while still enjoying the American trends and music for example.
Then again, there are many aspects that are associated with the Chicano culture, that do not represent me or even the majority.
Chicanos are often thought to stand out for their particular dressing style, which consists of converse or Cortez shoes, baggy dickie’s pants, a flannel and probably even a bandana. This is the stereotypical clothes of Mexican-Americans who are low income and living in though neighbourhoods, otherwise known as “cholos” (gangster). Several examples of this stereotype can be seen in comedy movies such as Next Friday or Napoleon Dynamite. However, especially in California, several people can be seen following this style no matter what their social class, age or background is without necessarily falling into being hypermasculine or threatening the peace.
It is not only about what they wear but the tattoos that cover their bodies as well. Chicanos are known for having tattoos with bold lettering and illustrations of the Virgin Mary, crosses, and Aztec symbols. Most of the time, these tattoos are black and white and will cover their whole back, chest or arms. Those who are part of gangs will even go as far as having tattoos on their face with their gang’s name. When seeing any of these tattoos, many are quick to assume that they are all criminals that probably have already served time in jail while more and more Chicanos are simply adopting the style to strengthen their identity or pride. An example of this this would be Cain Velazquez, a UFC fighter, who has a large tattoo on his chest that says “Brown Pride”.
Finally, chicanos also stand out for their artistic skills especially when it comes to low riders. These cars are customized with colourful paint, detailed paintings and hydraulic systems, which allow the user to have it raised or lowered. The purpose of these cars is to cruise as slowly as possible or as it is known, “ Low and Slow” to showcase their characteristics and art. The paintings are often representative of the Mexican culture with Aztec warriors or chola pinups. This car style originated in the 1950’s as a way to express their pride and for the Chicano community to gather and admire each other’s work. Today such shows an even competitions still take place but lowriders have also become popular amongst several other cultures such as African-Americans.
While many of the previous visual elements are still relevant today in order to represent Chicanos, I do not believe it does for the majority. And for those that it does represent in some way, I think it does so in a more subtle way or simply due to their personal preference and not necessarily because they fall in the stereotypical category. Also, while these styles do not represent me personally, I consider it as being part of our history and legacy in certain ways as these aspects were created as a way to express the relationship between cultures.
