The idea of becoming and being is central to the conceptualization of the notion of cultural identity. It is an assertion of the way in which identity remains in a state of flux and is much a thing of the future as it is of the past. Referring to the case of the Chicano immigrants, this idea reflects their perpetual struggle in the pursuit of forging a new identity as ethnic Americans as well as understanding our sense of being by remaining aware of our present relation vis-à-vis the forces of society.