Rasquachismo as defined by Tomas Ybarra- Fasuto is the idea of making due with what you have at the moment. Our ancestors had the minimal, and like used the small amount of items they had and up cycled and reused them in distinct ways to get the most out of each item.From a small age, it began when my mother would remind me to not toss away the bags that our groceries came in to use them as trash bags, or when we went out and bought a plastic cup at our local fair and my mom reminded me not to toss it away because we could use it back at home.
Our parents and ancestors grew up with these ways and have taught them down to us, the following generations.
While many may see it as an embarrassment, I do not. Although the lifestyle can be opposed to, it is a identifier for many Hispanics and a practice that we adopt even though it is an oppositional stance to dominant culture.
It is a view from “los de abajo” but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are below anyone for following and continuing our traditions. I know many Hispanics that are well over middle class and continue to visit Mexico every year and continue to exercise the traditions that we have since we were below the poverty line. While trying to “mejorar la raza” it is important to never forget your roots and what made you who you are today.
It is a lifestyle, that our parents and their parents have used throughout generations and it is a prize to be able to have their traditions pass down to us and one day they will be passed down to our children. A quite funny idea if you were to ask me.
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