Investigating the background of Mexican American identify, the document determined that this identity is a dynamic image emerging from a continuous process of human development in which the genetic and cultural variations from European and indigenous peoples are combined within a complex historical situation. The combination includes: (1) the "1848 (Anglo)" image--a race of conquered people allowed to become U.S. citizens if and when they learn to become WASP middle class Americans; (2) "Spanish" ancestry--an image which identifies with lighter skinned Europeans; (3) "La Raza"--a glorification of the "mestizo" - the racial hybrid of Caucasian and indigenous peoples; (4) "Indian" ancestry--Mexican Americans who with to throw off the racist stigma of a dark skin and who overtly claim Indian ancestry; (5) "1848 (Mexican)" image--revised from the Anglo version, but accepting the Mexican War period as the beginning of their identity today; (6) "Chicano"--a militant, self-imposed label advocating self-determination and independence from Anglo evaluation; and (7) "Children of Aztlan"--an idealistic orientation within the overall Chicano movement which has attached its identity to pre-Aztec traditions. (KM)