I
who arrived as deliberate as Tuesday
without
my hat and shoes
with
one rude black tattoo
and
purpose as thick as pumpkin…
One
day I’ll write my name on everything
as
certain as a trail of bread…
You’ll
see. You’ll see.
I
will not out so easily
I
was here. As loud as a trumpet.
As
real as pebble in the shoe.
A
tiger tooth. A definite voodoo.
Do
not erase me.
-Sandra
Cisneros
In order to understand a culture completely, we must examine how perspectives in a culture change according to age, gender, status, occupation, and variability of cultural knowledge. Although we can make general assumptions about the Mexican culture, we must also be cognizant of the variety of interpretations that exist within the group itself. Members of any cultural group are continually trying to make sense of their identity, and in so doing, they fashion new ways to express traditional mores with meaning and relevance to their current lives and environment. Being knowledgeable of the gamut of perspectives that lies within a culture brings us ultimately to a deeper understanding and appreciation.
“Lowriders
originated in the barrios of East L.A. and San Jose during the late 1940s. Post World War II economic growth allowed
many Latinos to find jobs in the defense and automotive industries, and to own
homes and cars for the first time. Cars
evolved into status symbols for Chicanos of that era, going for a drive
downtown after church became a ritual.”
-Lowrider
Magazine
Stemming back to the 1940’s, the lowriding culture is now a national and international phenomenon that is popular with Chicanos and other ethnic groups alike. It has become an artistic expression, a variant of machismo, and a unifying force amongst young, mostly male Latinos. Teenagers have even adopted and adapted to the cultural phenomenon by turning to Lowriding bicycles.
For more information on lowriding go to www.lowridermagazine.com
For another Chicano perspective from young adults go to www.homies.tv/homies.htm
www.brownpride.com has a wealth of information on Latino culture
Another fixture in the Mexican American population in Southern California and other regions of the nation is gang membership. Gang affiliation can be caused by conflicts with ethnic and cultural identity, breakdowns in social control, and feelings of displacement and isolation. Gangs usually arise in working class and lower middle class suburban areas. 4-10% of Mexican Americans belong to gangs.
For more information go to www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed405157.html
Often times the most ingrained attributes of a culture are revealed by those whom rebel against it. The perspective of the Chicana is often concerned with giving power and strength to the female voice in a society governed by Machismo. To hear from some of these powerful, poetic voices check out some of the following resources:
Michele Serros is a young, female poet with great collections for middle schoolers. Go to
To learn about a Chicana artist who lives in San Francisco go to
www.nmaa-ryder.si.edu/webzine/carmen1.htm
Sandra Cisneros is a prolific writer who has several wonderful books for adults and children:
House on Mango Street
Pelitos
Women Hollering Creek
Go to http://www.classicnote.com/ClassicNotes/Authors/about_sandra_cisneros.html