Does anyone else really like falsa blankets?

[u/jpreglow]

Because I do, and I finally know why!

[u/SaiyajinPrime]

I live in AZ and it felt like a requirement that every single house had one of theses when I was growing.

I'm not much of a fan, but they are still pretty popular here.

[u/Alibuscus373]

That's what they're called? I'm from a rez so they're just blankets to me XD

[u/TulpaPal → u/Alibuscus373]

LMAO same, my grandma had piles of these

[u/That-Beagle → u/Alibuscus373]

Normally by me only hippy white stoner people use them so we call them drug rugs..

[u/superunsubtle → u/That-Beagle]

lol I thought a drug rug was that hoodie made of this stuff

[u/That-Beagle → u/superunsubtle]

I say it for both

[u/jpreglow → u/Alibuscus373]

I admit, I have no idea the level of cultural appropriation at work here, but they just resonate with me on some level. I have two more that are currently serving as seat covers in my car...they're just cool!

[u/Alibuscus373 → u/jpreglow]

I don't know the finer details of cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation, but i feel if you genuinely love it and treat it with respect, it's appreciation

[u/jpreglow → u/Alibuscus373]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

It happens so often...

As a white guy, it's something that I try to be respectful of.

It just seemed to fit me..as something that reminded me of a good experience with my family, and on a primitive level. It's comfortable, warm, perfect weight...just feels right.

I can't explain it any better at the moment.

[u/TulpaPal → u/jpreglow]

It's definitely cultural appreciation. You're not claiming the idea of these blankets as yours, you're recognizing where they're from and enjoying them.

[u/jpreglow → u/TulpaPal]

Thank you...it is much appreciated.

[u/megalizzie → u/Alibuscus373]

Very kind and nuanced take, thank you!

[u/Penjrav8r → u/jpreglow]

These started as serape, a cotton or agave fiber blanket made by indigenous Central Americans, then transformed into a wool blanket when Spanish settlers brought sheep to the continent. The wool variant was expensive so the falsa was born - a “false” version made from…. Cotton. They seem to be mostly synthetic fibers now, or at least a blend.

So for cultural appropriation, this thing has already been through the wringer.

[u/Ok-Pomegranate-3018 → u/jpreglow]

Cultural appropriation would be if, you bought an "authentic" one of these blankets from Ralph Lauren and he claimed to design it. It is the theft of ideas, crafts, foods and traditions that is cultural appropriation.

[u/luxc341 → u/Alibuscus373]

lmao, me too.

[u/the_bird_and_the_bee → u/Alibuscus373]

Not on the rez but yeah same 😂 grandma just always had some.

[u/GlassUnion2314]

Honestly buy one at every truck stop when under $8… cheap and do whatever job is needed, keep warm blanket for older people at church, picnic blanket for lunch, ground cover when car breaks down, and the list goes on

[u/kridunink → u/GlassUnion2314]

Old people at church don't need blankets. They have their guilt to keep them warm.

[u/tor_bal_gratua]

You mean the traditional seat cover of almost any old truck?

Yeah, they’re great, lol

[u/jpreglow → u/tor_bal_gratua]

...or apparently any old cargo transport ship!

[u/motherofscorpions → u/tor_bal_gratua]

Exactly. I will always associate them with old trucks with seats made of that plastic leather that gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

[u/wilp0w3r]

My dad grew up in California. I've always loved those blankets.

[u/IMjellenRUjellen]

I love the way they smell. I have a bunch. I had a baja in the 70s, too. That's probably what got me hooked ; )

[u/jpreglow → u/IMjellenRUjellen]

The scent is quite distinctive!

[u/topazchip]

I feel like I've never seen a work truck without one.

[u/Hairy_Combination586]

They make great saddle pads for riding.

[u/Cephus_Calahan_482]

I have a couple I keep in my car during the winter for whenever my passengers get a little chilly on long trips.

[u/jpreglow]

So...I became enamored with one while on vacation a few years ago, and turned it into a shawl. I never understood why until a recent Unification Day re-watch.

[u/unknownpoltroon]

They make great couch covers

[u/TXprepper85]

Amols.com sells them for $8 each. They're located in San Antonio, TX

[u/ControlSmooth3262]

I still have two that I got in mexico in the 90s. They mostly get used for camping. I’d wear a baja hoodie right now if I had one!

[u/sir_mrej]

Um they were everywhere in the 90s and 80s (and 70s?). Everyone loves them.

[u/Nightrhythums78]

These remind me of every house west of the Mississippi in the 90s

[u/Exciting-Working-379]

I used to use them for curtains. Love them.

[u/Ok-Pomegranate-3018]

There is one on the back of my sofa, this very moment.

[u/leaf_on_the_wind42]

I prefer 2 of these over a comforter on my bed it was a bit scratchy at first but I've grown to love it and my ACD is obsessed. I also have 6 or 7 baja hoodies.

[u/Chad_Jeepie_Tea]

We did until we discovered the Turkish towel.

[u/Wonderful_Tip_5577]

I have tons of these. I just call them Mexican blankets cause they are made in Mexico. 

[u/Tacoshortage]

And NOW I know what they're called....I just always called them blankets.

[u/JKrow75]

They’re cheap to make, cheap to purchase, easy to store, and easy to wash. They’re also decorative, versatile, and pretty warm.

Of course they’re still a thing in the future.

[u/swump]

I love them and think they're gorgeous I dont care how chueggy that is

[u/althaz]

People must be, because I have seen them around. Wow are they ugly though.

[u/jpreglow → u/althaz]

I disagree...but functional they are!