Brazil: "Cultural" relations with the United States

     "Cultural" relations between Brazil and the United States are booming, but they cannot be described as high culture. Following the craze for Texan cowboys comes a less appealing craze: for California low-riders. Rough young men do indeed ride around in gangs on their motorbikes, but they are not ordinary low riders. They imitate the Chicano type. Their favorite decoration is the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is even tattooed on their backs. They eat tacos and drink tequila. Mexican culture reaches Brazil via Los Angeles. Pop goes the culture.

Ronald Hilton - 09/01/99