Orozco, Emily

     According to the reading title Rasquachismo, the term “rachsquache” refers to a person that, in many ways, is looked down upon for being at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The author distinguished how “rasquachismo” is more of an attitude rather than an ideology. In addition, this author describes “rasquachismo” as something relating to the “underdog.” The reference to the underdog shows that this term tends to describe folks that rise against odds that may be stacked against them. There is a sense of wit and grit when it comes to “los de abajo” that the author refers to. Rachsquachismo refers to an everyday lifestyle where folks that would be considered “the have nots” use their resources and make as much as they can out of what they have. Prior to reading this article, I had never heard this term before. However I thought it was interesting that when I started to read it, I could automatically picture what rasquachismo was. I think this is a concept many of us may be familiar with as we may have seen friends, family, or even ourselves with this attitude. Personally I didn’t know there was an actual name for it. 

    As for what a “Domesticana” refers to, it is kinda like rachsquache but through specifically the Chicana viewpoint. A “Domesticana” is a Chicana that refuses to assimilate to the typical domestic sphere that is so common in Chicanx/Latinx culture. Domesticanas question the roles that women are supposed to play thus challenging the machismo ideology and traditions that may be present in their homes. I feel like I have had experience with this through my family. My closest family members are all women who tended to put their career first rather than prioritize marriage or a family. And those that did pursue marriage first, divorced and focused on their career path after that. I think this is an example of what a “Domesticana” could be in my household. 

    As for my example, I have included a picture of things my grandma has given me. Things that, to me, symbolize what these articles were about. I have seen a lot of pictures of household items being reused and somehow gaining new meaning. My grandma, being a housekeeper, had clients that would give things here and there. My grandma however, had her eyes on these ceramic angels. Her client knew she loved them and ended up giving them to her to which my grandma then took them all to church to have them blessed. Once they were blessed, she gave one to all of us. As well as, a peach jar filled with holy water she gave me for protection. I think this would be a good example of how reusing and DIYing can create something meaningful within a household like rasquachismo.