5/23 Rodriguez

One interesting claim in Rodriguez's article was that an import car is central for establishing a "hegmonic brand of American identity" (255). The ability to express freedom and individuality by riding a stylish car showcases one's cultural capital, and ultimately class capital. Someone who rides a modded car indirectly exerts knowledge about uprising technology and latest trends. They also practice mobility by expressing the ability to afford such luxury, although they may not be from affluent backgrounds. This reminded me of one of the youth of Monkey Dance, who comes from a low-income background, but works multiple jobs to afford his import car lifestyle. Although his family is on the poorer side, he works in order to spend it on parts to mod his car. He stresses that he has to work in order to afford his expensive lifestyle. The ability to buy and mod a car is a way to express to others that he can live lavishly and that he can socially mobilize. It is a display of  access to income that his family did not get. The car is symbolic of wanting to resist against the systemic poverty that is placed on his family.

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