Cholos and Cholas: a Deep Dive into Chicano Culture

Cholo(a) is a word widely used in several Latin American countries. In most, it carries a derogatory connotation, but, over time, the groups known as “cholos” have transformed the meaning of the term and have appropriated it as a symbol of cultural identity.

Unfortunately, cholo and chola culture has often been stigmatized and stereotyped by mainstream media. These stereotypes portray cholos and cholas as criminals or gang members, perpetuating negative perceptions and creating a distorted image of the community. However, it’s crucial to recognize that cholo and chola culture is rich with diversity, creativity, and resilience. They are a proud and tight-knit community that celebrates their heritage and supports one another.

Cholo and chola culture foster a strong sense of cultural pride and community. It’s about celebrating one’s roots, embracing both Mexican and American influences, and finding strength in their shared experiences. Cholo and chola communities often support each other through various organizations, events, and social networks. They provide a sense of belonging and solidarity in a world that sometimes fails to understand or appreciate their unique culture.

Due to geographic differences in usage, it is possible for speech misinterpretations to occur. For this reason, it is important to know the context in which this term is used to attribute meaning to it. In some countries it is used as a pejorative term due to racism or belonging to organized crime groups.

THE CHOLO CULTURE:

Cholo and chola are terms that originated in the Chicano and Mexican-American communities. They represent a unique subculture that blends elements of Mexican and American identities, with a heavy influence from street culture. Cholos and cholas are often associated with urban neighborhoods and are known for their distinct fashion, language, and art.

Currently, in the United States, this word has a negative connotation and is full of stereotypes. It is used to refer to a person, typically young, associated with Latino gangs and wearer of certain outfits, such as very loose pants, a white T-shirt under a very well ironed shirt with only the collar button fastened, tennis shoes or shoes. An image, although different and for the same reason frowned upon by most people, relatively or very neat.

The cholos in the United States arise as a result of various struggles for identity and collective representation in the North American society that gave them meaning and that, to date, maintains them in the society of that country and also in Mexico, currently looking for other subsistence mechanisms that keep them within the community.

As in the United States, the word cholo in Mexico is used to designate those individuals who speak Spanglish. The way they dress also characterizes them, as well as the cultural manifestations embodied in doodles or graffiti, in which they express themes of their daily life and their culture. In these murals you can see figures from Mexican history and national culture such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Aztecs and leaders of the Mexican Revolution such as Zapata and Villa, this same expression is also carried on the body in the form of tattoos.