Final answer:
Residents of Aztlan are advocating for independence to reestablish their ancestral homeland. This has met with opposition from some Anglo residents, who deny historical discrimination. The complex history involves past overrunning of Hispanic populations by Anglo settlers, leading to social and political marginalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many residents of Aztlan are involved in campaigns seeking independence for their territory, which, according to the legend of Nahuatl-speaking peoples, is their ancestral homeland. In these proposed plans, Mexicans on both sides of the border would come together to create one independent nation, a concept rooted in cultural and historical claims. This idea has led to various reactions. Many Anglos in the region feel that the idea discounts their history and relationships with Mexican Americans, citing that there has never been discrimination, as exemplified by their denial of the Longoria Affair. However, historical accounts indicate that massive influxes of Anglo-American settlers overran the Hispanic populations, leading to institutional discrimination and a loss of social and political influence for the existing Hispanic communities. Additionally, it is essential to recognize other factors, such as labor migration across the region for economic opportunity or political mobilization, such as that by the Zapatista National Liberation Army (ZNLA).