Both of the men see themselves as Americans, too. They grew up at a time when there were major race issues in the country, but they are both somewhat sheltered from those issues. Thus, they do not see themselves as different, they are simply Americans. Richard tells the fight promoter, "I'm an American" (Villarreal 135). The promoter replies, "All right, you know what I mean. Mexicans don't get too much chance to amount to much'" (Villarreal 135). Neither one sees themselves as Mexican so much as they see themselves as Americans, and that is extremely important in the assimilation process.

However, Richard begins to see things change in his family and does not approve of the assimilation, while Paco does not. Paco does not find it unusual that his family is becoming more Americanized, while it makes Richard sad and a bit confused. He thinks, "The heretofore gradual assimilation of this new culture was becoming more pronounced" (Villarreal 169). He also becomes fascinated with the pachucos, and tries to learn more about them and their fierce attention to what they see as Mexican culture. He is by learning the culture of his people, while everyone else around him is giving up that culture and becoming more American. His family even splits up and his father asks for a divorce, which is a truly American way to deal with unhappy married life. In many ways, his family has become more Americanized than Richard himself, and at times this is difficult for him to deal with. Paco does not seem to struggle as much with these issues, because his family is content with there acculturation. Paco does not reflect on that as much as Richard, and does not long for the old culture as much as Richard does, either.

Paco seems to have led a more sedate life than Richard has. Paco does not explore the pachuco subculture; in fact, he remains removed from the gangs and violence that eventually kill his brother. He avoids jail and does not seem to encounter some of the prejudice...

The prejudice others face in the book is more graphic than in the film, and it is interesting that Richard experiences prejudice toward Mexicans, but also sees it toward the Japanese and Italians. Anyone who is "different" is a good candidate for prejudice, and Richard seems to take more from these experiences. He has a new feeling about people and how they treat each other. Paco has an awareness of this too, but it does not seem so pronounced and so important to him.
The book ends with many questions, and the only certainty is that Richard will not come back to Santa Clara. Perhaps he does not survive the war. Paco did, and became a writer as he dreamed he would. The reader has to hope Richard survives too, because he has a voice for his people that should be heard. It is interesting that both men enlisted to fight for America, making them even more American in their souls. They fought for their country because of patriotism, love, and many other complex reasons. It is what young American men did during World War II. These men, despite their upbringing and heritage, were true Americans, and they both show it in their need to defend their country during times of trouble.

In conclusion, these characters have many commonalities. They are both sympathetic, educated, and become writers. They love their families, but want more out of life than their parents had. They are good men, and good citizens. They fight for their country, and they struggle to come to grips with two very different cultures that clash in their own lives. They are gentlemen - raised to take responsibility for their families and their well-being, and they are wise, perhaps beyond their years. They are intriguing characters who share many of the same hopes and dreams.