Black and Brown in Los Angeles by Josh Kun

Author:Josh Kun
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780520275591
Publisher: University of California Press

CONCLUSION: BLACK AND CHICANO LOWRIDERS AFTER THE 1970S

The importance of family and fraternal relationships (carnalismo) among lowriders in the 1960s and 1970s is reflected in the formation of car clubs. Generally referred to by members as “second families,” most clubs were originally established by small close-knit groups of custom-car enthusiasts comprising either blood relatives or individuals from the same neighborhoods. In addition to establishing a sense of solidarity among lowriders, these associations have also supported friendly competition among members who try to outdo one another in creating the “perfect” car. Furthermore, club membership provides an alternative to gang life (la vida loca) by replacing potentially dangerous or violent activities with positive and “respectable” social behaviors. In this sense, lowriding is keeping alive the carnalismo, just like the pachucos/zoot-suiters before them, as a source of community-enabling space.

There is a diversity of car club politics within the lowriding scene, but all the clubs share similar traits of family bonds, respect, and pride for their cars. In fact, their emphasis on these themes has resulted in the longevity of the car clubs. Despite the shared themes, Chicanos have added a distinct style to lowriding that is all their own. Ernie Ruelas explains:

I think that what we have added to lowriding has been our style. You see a Chicano car fixed up and all that, you know it is a Chicano car. You see a Black person’s car and all that, and you know that it is a Black person’s car. Their styles are different. I think what we have started here is using older cars with sun visors, with the hydraulics on older cars, and that kind of stuff. We started that. I think also we have brought some awareness all through this country that leads from the West Coast all the way to the East Coast.43

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.