Lowriders in Chicano Culture: From Low to Slow to Show

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.

Author: Charles Tatum
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 07/22/2011
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780313381492

Review Citation(s):
Choice 03/01/2012
Reference and Research Bk News 10/01/2011 pg. 49

About the Author

Charles M. Tatum is professor of Spanish in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.