Japanese Cholos in Japan

John Storey suggests that there is a difference between high culture and complex culture. The difference is that high culture has a more genuine representation of the artifacts and way of life relating to the experience. This is a perfect example of the Chicano influence on Japanese people who gravitate toward the Chicano lifestyle. The simple definition of a Chicano is someone who is a Mexican American. At closer glance and as a Chicano I can say that these Japanese people seem to be confused about what a Cholo is and what a Mexican American is. Although Cholo's are very respectable most of the time, their lifestyle puts both themselves and all those around them in danger. Real Mexican Americans or Chicanos don't dress like Cholos because sooner or later they will be confronted by real gang members. In America we call this being a poser or someone who is acting like someone they are not. So, where do we draw the line between embracing a trend and to completely mimicking it? I'd say once something becomes dangerous or offensive it might be time to move on. This seems like a run-off situation and although the Japanese sub-culture of wannabe Chicanos is flattering, they are simply conforming to the popular culture of Mexican Americans. Chicanos had to battle for La Raza. Discrimination, educational segregation, voting rights, and ethnic stereotyping were principal issues of the activists, as well as the need for a minimum wage for migrant agricultural workers and citizenship for the children of Mexican-born parents. Being a Chicano and being a Cholo are two different ways of life. A cholo is a Chicano by birth, but a Chicano is not a cholo by birth. Since the introduction of media, news travels fast. Even more so now with all the social media sites, TV, movies, music, and travel, the reach of popular culture is available at the click of a button. Although I don't believe the Japanese Chicano movement in Japan is meant to be negative. I do believe that they are acting out the stereotypes of a subculture most people aren't too fond of. Not all Mexican Americans are Cholo gangsters riding around in lowriders, getting sleeve tattoos, or pulling drive-by’s. There's no problem with mimicking the artistic side of a lifestyle or culture that you find alluring, but if the trend you are mimicking could get you in trouble or become more than a trend to the next generation; Well now you’re just asking for trouble. The reach of popular culture can be a beautiful thing. We learn so much about others and ourselves through our media connections and the ties that grow between us can be amazing. But in this case, I have to question how far is too far. My Dad used to tell me, "Boy, if you want to dress like a punk ass, then you better be ready to act like a punk ass", meaning, if you want to dress like a cholo gangster then you’re gonna get shot.