Lowriders in Chicano Culture : From Low to Slow to Show

Much like rap music and ethnic foods, Chicano lowrider culture has become sufficiently widespread in recent decades to almost be considered "mainstream." However, those outside of lowriding may not realize that this cultural phenomenon is not the result of a recent fad—it originated in the pre-World War II era, and has continued to grow and evolve since then.Lowriders in Chicano Culture: From Low to Slow to Show allows readers to see how this expressive culture fits within the broader context of Chicano culture and understand how lowriding reflects the social, artistic, and political dimensions of America's fastest-growing ethnic group. It includes chapters that explain the culture of pachucas/os and cholas/os; the unique aesthetics of lowrider vehicles; lowrider music, shows, and clubs; the mechanics of building a lowrider vehicle; and lowrider culture in the media including film, newspapers, and television. The book also traces how lowrider culture has recently expanded beyond the urban streets and into the massive exhibit halls of lowrider shows, exposing lowrider culture to even more enthusiasts. This informed and accessible book captures the art, energy, passion, and pageantry of over 60 years of lowrider culture—an absolutely iconic Chicano and American phenomenon.Much like rap music and ethnic foods, Chicano lowrider culture has become sufficiently widespread in recent decades to almost be considered'mainstream.'However, those outside of lowriding may not realize that this cultural phenomenon is not the result of a recent fad—it originated in the pre–World War II era, and has continued to grow and evolve since then.Lowriders in Chicano Culture: From Low to Slow to Show allows readers to see how this expressive culture fits within the broader context of Chicano culture and understand how lowriding reflects the social, artistic, and political dimensions of America's fastest-growing ethnic group. It includes chapters that explain the culture of pachucas/os and cholas/os; the unique aesthetics of lowrider vehicles; lowrider music, shows, and clubs; the mechanics of building a lowrider vehicle; and lowrider culture in the media including film, newspapers, and television. The book also traces how lowrider culture has recently expanded beyond the urban streets and into the massive exhibit halls of lowrider shows, exposing lowrider culture to even more enthusiasts. This informed and accessible book captures the art, energy, passion, and pageantry of over 60 years of lowrider culturean absolutely iconic Chicano and American phenomenon. Much like rap music and ethnic foods, Chicano lowrider culture has become sufficiently widespread in recent decades to almost be considered "mainstream." However, those outside of lowriding may not realize that this cultural phenomenon is not the result of a recent fadit originated in the preWorld War II era, and has continued to grow and evolve since then. Lowriders in Chicano From Low to Slow to Show allows readers to see how this expressive culture fits within the broader context of Chicano culture and understand how lowriding reflects the social, artistic, and political dimensions of America's fastest-growing ethnic group. It includes chapters that explain the culture of pachucas/os and cholas/os; the unique aesthetics of lowrider vehicles; lowrider music, shows, and clubs; the mechanics of building a lowrider vehicle; and lowrider culture in the media including film, newspapers, and television. The book also traces how lowrider culture has recently expanded beyond the urban streets and into the massive exhibit halls of lowrider shows, exposing lowrider culture to even more enthusiasts. Much Like Rap Music And Ethnic Foods, Chicano Lowrider Culture Has Become Sufficiently Widespread In Recent Decades To Almost Be Considered Mainstream. Those Outside Of Lowriding May Not Realize That This Cultural Phenomenon Is Not The Result Of A Recent Fad--it Originated In The Pre-world War Ii Era And Has Continued To Grow And Evolve Since Then. This Book Shows Readers How This Expressive Culture Fits Within The Broader Context Of Chicano Culture And How Lowriding Reflects The Social, Artistic, And Political Dimensions Of America's Fastest-growing Ethnic Group. The History And Evolution Of Lowrider Culture -- Pachucas/os, Zoot Suiters, And Cholas/os In Lowrider Culture -- Media -- Art -- Music -- Women In Lowrider Culture -- Lowrider Clubs -- Lowrider Shows -- Building A Lowrider Vehicle -- Lowrider Lingo. Charles M. Tatum. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 10 1: The History and Evolution of Lowrider Culture......Page 16 2: Pachucas/os, Zoot Suiters, and Cholas/os in Lowrider Culture......Page 44 3: Media......Page 68 4: Art......Page 96 5: Music......Page 128 6: Women in Lowrider Culture......Page 150 7: Lowrider Clubs......Page 168 8: Lowrider Shows......Page 184 9: Building a Lowrider Vehicle......Page 200 10: Lowrider Lingo......Page 218 Bibliography......Page 222 Index......Page 228 · A Chapter On The Origins Of Lowriding Documents The Evolution Of The Culture · Illustrative Photographs Depict Lowrider Mural Art, Pachucas/os And Cholas/os, Hopping And Dancing Contests, And Zoot Suiters · A Glossary Of Lowrider Lingo Defines Unique Terminology