Bangkok’s ‘Mexican’ Gangsters

Bangkok's "Mexican" Gangters.

 Nowadays, Cultural appropriation  is a common phenomenom between different cultures or subcultures. It occurs when a group of people takes some characteristics or customs of another group of people. A great example of this, is the Cultural appropiation that young Thai men have done of the Mexican Gangsters. Popularly, Mexican Gangsters are called "Cholos" in their country, and this word includes many aspects like violence, drugs, resistance, etc. But, what is really curious is that the movement that Thais have created doesn't include these particularities. Their passion is the Cholos' aesthetic, only that. No guns, no marihuana, no murders. They are common people... A teacher, a friend, a dad, but wearing over baggy white shirts and gothic-baroque tattoos. On the other hand, they are conscious about the situation of Mexican Gangters, and they argue that the style is perfect for the weather. Cultural appropiation is an example of how we are interconnected in this huge world, no matter distance, no matter time. Likewise, we are exposed and each person can take something of us and vice versa. Moreover, there is a responsibility to respect the original culture to maintain and inherit for years. 

Real "Cholos".