 It is not the role of Hispanics to follow the commands of a norm, an elusive mainstream, but to instead remain faithful to their communal and distinct identities to both lay claim to mainstream territory and to disprove its existence.In this poem, Laviera redefines his nationality and takes pride in being both a Puerto Rican and an American living in the United States.He establishes a new identity, called AmeRícan which is the harmonious blend of the two composed of "mainland and island traditions."