Greater Mexico: Homeland, colonialism, and genetics

Abstract

Chávez outlines the connections between internal colonialism and indigeneity and argues that the latter concept is essential to colonial theory because it helps define the colonized and establishes historic rights to place in society. For example, historically the struggles of Mexicans in the United States have had much to do with claims to homeland, including issues of borders, immigration, residency, and citizenship. Since the 1960s Mexicans have helped develop ‘internal colonialism,' based on the belief that they are natives, rather than aliens or simple immigrants in the U.S. Southwest. This chapter examines that position by reviewing secondary and primary sources on the demography and genetics of Mexicans as related especially to their ‘Indian’ origins.