Member-only story

They Called Them Greasers: A Deeper Dive into the History and Culture of the Subculture

Drew Bell

·2.5k Followers· Follow

Published in They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Texas 1821 1900

6 min read · 1 week before

1.3k View Claps

98 Respond

Save

Listen

They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes toward Mexicans in Texas, 1821–1900

by Arnoldo De León

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	742 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	168 pages

The Birth of a Subculture

In the heart of the 1950s, as post-war America underwent a transformative period, a new subculture emerged from the working-class neighborhoods of large cities across the country—the greasers.

Composed primarily of working-class teenagers, greasers rejected the conformist values of the time and forged their own identity, characterized by a distinctive style, a rebellious attitude, and a deep-rooted passion for music.

Driven by a desire to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, greasers embraced a style that was both expressive and defiant. Their signature look, which became synonymous with the subculture, consisted of slicked-back hair, tight jeans, white T-shirts, leather jackets, and motorcycle boots.

The Greaser Style

A Greaser With Slicked Back Hair, White T Shirt, And Leather Jacket They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Texas 1821 1900

The greaser style was not merely a fashion statement; it was an integral part of their identity. Their clothing choices were carefully curated to convey a sense of toughness, rebellion, and independence.

Greasers took great pride in their appearance, spending countless hours combing and greasing their hair, which was often styled in a pompadour or ducktail. They favored tight-fitting jeans, often cuffed at the bottom, and plain white T-shirts or button-down shirts.

The quintessential greaser outerwear was the leather jacket, which symbolized both their rebellious spirit and their working-class roots. These jackets were often adorned with studs, patches, and other embellishments that further personalized their style.

The Soundtrack of Rebellion

A Group Of Greasers Listening To Music On A Jukebox They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Texas 1821 1900

Music played a central role in greaser culture, serving as a powerful form of self-expression and a means of connecting with like-minded individuals.

Greasers gravitated towards a wide range of musical genres, including rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and doo-wop. They found solace and inspiration in the raw energy and rebellious lyrics of these songs, which mirrored their own experiences and aspirations.

Artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard became icons of the greaser subculture, their music providing a soundtrack for their lives and capturing the essence of their youthful rebellion.

The Myth and Reality of Gangs

A Group Of Greasers Posing In Front Of A Car They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Texas 1821 1900

Greasers have often been associated with gangs, and while it is true that some gangs adopted the greaser style, the vast majority of greasers were not gang members.

Gangs emerged within the greaser subculture as a response to social and economic marginalization. They provided a sense of belonging and protection for their members, who often faced discrimination and prejudice from the wider society.

However, it is important to distinguish between greasers and gang members. Greasers represented a diverse group of working-class teenagers, while gangs were small, organized criminal groups involved in illegal activities.

A Lasting Impact

A Group Of Greasers In A Modern Setting They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Texas 1821 1900

The greaser subculture had a profound impact on American culture, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence fashion, music, and popular culture today.

The greaser style has been revived and reinterpreted by countless subcultures over the years, from punk rockers to mods to hip-hop artists. The rebellious spirit and outsider ethos of the greasers have also resonated with generations of nonconformists.

In literature and film, greasers have been immortalized through iconic works such as S.E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders" and Francis Ford Coppola's film adaptation. These depictions have helped to shape the public perception of the subculture and have contributed to its enduring popularity.

A Timeless Subculture

The greaser subculture emerged as a unique and vibrant expression of teenage rebellion and working-class identity in the post-war era.

Their distinctive style, rebellious attitude, and passion for music set them apart from the mainstream and left an indelible mark on American culture. Despite facing social and economic challenges, greasers created their own community, forged their own identity, and continue to inspire generations.

The greaser subculture remains a testament to the power of youth, the importance of self-expression, and the enduring appeal of rebellion.

They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes toward Mexicans in Texas, 1821–1900

by Arnoldo De León

4.5 out of 5