During Hispanic Heritage Month, many people celebrate their culture, diversity, and roots. For some, it’s also a time for reflection on identity—like Adolfo “Zarco” Guerrero, who identifies as Chicano.
The term “Chicano” has long been used by Mexican Americans to define their unique identity, one that doesn’t fully fit into either Mexican or American culture. According to Carlos Vélez-Ibáñez, a professor at Arizona State University, being part of this identity is more than just a nationality or ethnicity—it’s a worldview and a political identity.
The Origins and Evolution of the Term ‘Chicano’
The word “Chicano” gained popularity in the 1960s during the Mexican American civil rights movement. Figures like César Chávez, a labor leader and activist, helped bring visibility to this identity, which emerged in response to discrimination and the fight for labor, educational, and political rights.
Initially, this word was used as a derogatory term to describe people of Mexican descent. However, over time, it was reclaimed by those who wanted to embrace their roots and resist marginalization.
“To empower ourselves, we first had to name ourselves,” explains Jennie Luna, a professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at California State University, Channel Islands.
For many Chicanos, identity isn’t tied to one specific country. Bill Esparza, a journalist and food critic, puts it simply: “We are in-between people.” They live between two cultures, never fully fitting into either one.
Melissa Hidalgo, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, shares a similar experience. While she identifies as Chicana, her family doesn’t use the term and prefers to see themselves as Hispanic or simply American. “It’s about assimilation, about not wanting to be seen as different,” she explains.
How this identity Differs from Other Latinos in the U.S.
Unlike more recent Latino immigrants, Chicanos are not newcomers to the United States. Many have lived here for generations—long before the U.S. even existed in its current form. California, Arizona, and Texas were once part of Mexico, and many Chicanos descend from families that have lived in these regions for centuries.
“We’re not crossing the border now, and we don’t have the same immigration story as other Latino groups in the U.S. Our culture has existed here for generations,” Hidalgo explains.
For some, the term “Chicano” also highlights their connection to Indigenous roots, setting them apart from broader labels like “Hispanic” or “Latino,” which often emphasize European ancestry.
Being Chicano is not just about ethnicity; it’s about how you live and interpret your identity. “It’s reflected in our art, our music, our food,” Hidalgo says.
In a time when broad terms like “Latinx” attempt to unify different communities, some argue that maintaining the Chicano identity is essential to remembering their history and resilience.
