The Chicano and the Meaning of Mexico.

Two essential goals of the Chicano are: (1) achieving cultural pluralism and (2) equal opportunity. Success in achieving these aims will depend partly on the Chicano's uniqueness as a multinational person. Mexico's presence is of utmost importance for this endeavor. However, having a former homeland adjacent has not provided an example or inspiration to Chicanos for overcoming their problems in the United States. Mexico has offered the Mexican American very little direct assistance toward attaining his aims since the average Mexican is also poverty-stricken and preoccupied with physical survival, his government is largely disinterested in Mexican Americans, and the inter-American political scene is not conducive to intervention in the northern neighbors' affairs. Furthermore, the Chicano has not seriously sought the republic's direct support. Handicapped by low educational attainment and depressed conditions in health, housing, employment, and political influence, Mexican Americans tend to be preoccupied with local problems and programs. Yet, Mexico represents a cultural image or symbol on which the Chicano can anchor his Hispanic-mestizo personality. The Chicano can utilize his cross-national identity as a counterpoise between Anglo America and Latin America. Therefore, Mexican Americans should initiate a new and more positive association with Mexico and other Latin American republics. (NQ)