In The Community
The terms "old money" and "new money" aren’t new. At first glance, they’re just an observational comment on the accumulation of wealth. But if you look deeper, the implications are a lot more complex than that. “Old money” and “new money” actually reflect the ongoing class wars that reinforce racial inequality in this capitalistic society we inhabit. But how do these terms intersect with systemic racism and racial hierarchies, exactly?
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What Is "Old Money" vs. "New Money"
Before diving into the crux of the issue, it's essential to understand the underlying connotations both of these terms carry. "Old money" typically refers to families or individuals who have maintained their wealth over several generations. These families often pride themselves on traditions, lineage, and sometimes even blue-blooded ancestry. In contrast, the term "new money" is used to describe people or families who've acquired wealth in their lifetime, often through innovation, entrepreneurship, or sudden fame.
The problem isn't the definitions but the values and assumptions attached to them.
The vast majority of "old money" families are white and that’s due to the historical advantages and opportunities afforded to them, often at the disproportionate expense and exclusion of people of color. Considering the U.S. context, centuries of systemic racism - from slavery, Jim Crow laws, to discriminatory lending practices - have actively kept Black, Latino, and other communities of color from accumulating generational wealth. By venerating "old money" and its associated sophistication or class, we inadvertently celebrate a system that thrived on racial inequality.
The dichotomy often casts "new money" as flashy, ostentatious, or lacking in class. This not only undermines the hard work, innovation, and resilience of "new money" individuals but also disproportionately impacts people of color, who, due to systemic barriers, are more often in the "new money" category.
How Do These Terms Reinforce Racial Inequality
The terms "old money" and "new money" reinforce racial stereotypes precisely because of the images they invoke and the underlying assumptions they reinforce. "Old money" often brings to mind generations of wealthy, white families who have inherited their wealth, living in grand mansions and belonging to exclusive social circles. This image suggests a sense of tradition, stability, and entitlement to wealth.
On the other hand, "new money" typically conjures up images of flashy, self-made people—such as tech moguls, entertainers, sports stars, and entrepreneurs—who have recently acquired wealth. They’re often outsiders to the traditional elite and many of them are people of color.
This contrast subtly implies that wealth for people of color is something new, temporary, or obtained through unconventional means or sheer luck. It reinforces the idea that true, lasting wealth belongs to the white elite, and creates a distinction about who truly “deserves” wealth depending on how it’s acquired and the color of their skin.
Language is powerful. The way we name and categorize things can shape perceptions, influence opinions, and even determine value systems. By perpetuating the "old money" vs. "new money" narrative without a second thought, we’re endorsing the racial biases they carry.
We can choose to celebrate new beginnings, innovation, persistence, determination, and diverse paths to success. We can recognize that wealth accumulated without the shadow of oppression has its unique value. And most importantly, we can remember that in the age of information, the stories we amplify and the names we give to things can either perpetuate systemic racism or challenge and change it.
In this digital age, we have the power to rewrite narratives.
Trends have a knack for popping up out of nowhere and taking over our social media feeds in no time. Be it fashion, makeup, the latest dance craze, or a catchy new tune – they just sort of become a part of our everyday lives. What slips by a lot of people, though, is how many of these trends are actually born in communities that don't get enough of the spotlight.
Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.
So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.
Slicked Back Hair (the “Clean Girl” look) and Baby Hairs
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Seeing women slick their hair back until not a single strand is out of place is like a throwback to our moms brushing our hair so tight it felt like it was glued to our skulls. Back in the day, being all "peinadas" wasn't a style choice; it was like mom's law.
Now, you've probably seen a multitude of influencers sporting slicked-back hair, dubbed the "clean girl look," or those meticulously styled baby hairs, courtesy of some gel and a toothbrush.
These hairstyles have been a staple in Black and Latino communities for decades. African American women have used this technique not only as a method of hair management but also as a significant expression of personal and cultural style. While Latinas, and particularly many Mexican-American Cholas, also notably sported slicked-back hair, usually nailed with hair gel or pomade, for that sleek and shiny vibe, a look that was all about showing you're tough as nails and exuding confidence.
Similarly, the increasingly popular “baby hair” styling had its boom in the '90s, when R&B and hip-hop were all the rage and Black and Latina women were coming up with some pretty detailed designs for their baby hairs. They'd use gel or whatever worked to shape their baby hairs into swoops, waves, or curls, framing their faces and really making their features pop. It was another way to flex their creativity and show off their sharp eye for detail.
Winged Eyeliner and Thin Brows
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Winged eyeliner, or 'cat eye,' has become a must-have skill in the makeup world. However, its origins are not as contemporary as many might think. This look can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and was notably embraced by Mexican-American Chola culture in the 80s and 90s. Similarly, the thin eyebrow trend, often linked to the 90s supermodel era, was a distinctive Chola aesthetic long before it hit mainstream fashion.
Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas
You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.
This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.
Brown Lips and Liner
Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.
The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.
Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.
It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.
Hoop Earrings and Nameplate Necklaces
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We can't overlook the ubiquitous hoop earrings and nameplate necklaces. Hoop earrings date back to ancient cultures, but in modern times, they have become synonymous with the bold and beautiful aesthetic of Latinas. The nameplate necklaces, currently making rounds on social media, have long been a part of both Black and Latine culture as well, particularly in hip-hop fashion during the 80s and 90s. These pieces were more than accessories; they were declarations of individuality and self-pride. I mean, who doesn’t love their hoops and their cadenita?
So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.
A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.
Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.
The emergence of goth culture within the Latina community is intertwined with the historical backdrop of Latin America. Born amidst socioeconomic instability and political unrest, Goth culture, with its emblematic black attire, a penchant for the darkly romantic, and roots in post-punk music, has woven itself into the tapestry of societies worldwide, offering an escape and a form of resistance.
Goth culture first made its way into the Latina community in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was heavily influenced by the Gothic rock and post-punk music scenes. This was a time when bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus were gaining international popularity, and the messages of alienation and rebellion resonated with many Latina youth.
Gothic culture's fascination with the exploration of mortality, melancholy, and the macabre found a natural home within Latin America's cultural framework. From Mexico's Dia de Muertos to various folklore tales filled with haunting spirits and tragic love stories, gothic themes echo in Latine culture.
Throughout the years, many influential personalities have helped popularize this unique lifestyle, seamlessly integrating it into mainstream consciousness.
Kat Von D, a professional tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and TV personality, draws on her Mexican roots and remarkable gothic aesthetic to champion goth culture within the Latine community. From her distinctive fashion style and makeup to her thriving beauty line, she illustrates how this vibrant subculture can be an integral part of daily life.
Kat Von D’s husband, Rafael Reyes, or Leafar Seyer, also happens to be a talented musician and author that’s significantly impacted the Latina goth scene, particularly with his band, Prayers. They initiated Cholo goth, a compelling blend of goth and Mexican-American Cholo subculture. Through his work, Reyes addresses potent themes like violence, survival, and spirituality, offering a reflection of his experiences that resonates with the community.
Goth Latina influences are also making waves in the entertainment industry. Goth culture is becoming more visible in TV shows and movies. From Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams in “Wednesday,” to Jackie Cruz's Flaca in "Orange is the New Black.”
Influencers like Mexican artist Lupe Vasconcelos, whose horror-themed illustrations capture her cultural heritage; Fernanda Lira, the forceful vocalist and bassist for the Brazilian thrash metal band Nervosa; and Patricia Morrison, the Cuban-American bassist for the gothic rock band Sisters of Mercy, whose Cuban roots enrich her music.
Each of these figures continues to shape and diversify the goth aesthetic within the Latina community and beyond, underscoring the genre's global reach and cultural inclusivity. Not to mention the countless content creators showcasing their amazing style, talent, and artistry on platforms like TikTok.
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Goth culture within the Latina community serves as a tool for self-expression, a challenge to societal norms, and a reflection of their diverse heritage. This aesthetic allows Latinas to disrupt traditional beauty standards often associated with vibrant, colorful imagery, embracing instead a dark romanticism that mirrors Latin America's rich and contrasting history.
Latina goth culture offers a unique fusion of traditional and unconventional aesthetics, showcasing the community's diversity. Its evolution and growth, spurred by prominent figures and pop culture, continue to draw more of the Latine community into its witchy realm.