Arroyo, Cristina (Week 4 Rasquachismo)

 The concept of rasquachismo, as explained by Tomas Ibarra-Frausto, is similar to the concept of making the most with what you have. It is an “attitude or taste” that develops from a way of living, of choosing to elevate what one has and to make it useful and to one’s taste. I did not fully understand this concept until completing the reading and then I came to realize that I can see this approach to life in my own family and culture. The way my mom reuses grocery store bags as trash bags, or anything that needs a bag really, to the way my dad uses old containers and bottles for his plants and tools. Some may view this as frugal, but it is an adaptation to life and to a childhood they once had. Perhaps it could be because they grew up poor, with few resources and they became accustomed to making the most of what they had, perhaps it could be because they realize it is often better for our environment, or it really could just be because that’s the way they like to do things. I like to think it’s a combination of the three. I’ve learned to appreciate these practices. So much so that now I do them too. In my apartment I also reuse plastic bags and old containers for food like my mom does, I reuse glass bottles and containers for my plants the way my dad does too. It’s become a practice, not out of necessity but from custom and enjoyment. It reminds me of home and makes my own apartment feel like home away from home. Interestingly, in recent times some of these practices are seen in pop culture. From DIY videos, to upcycling, even the concept of thrifting all circles back to this concept of rasquachismo. Unfortunately our practices within our communities are often looked down upon until they become trendy enough for the next influencer to adopt and the rest of the upper class to follow.