COLONIALISM,AMERICANIZATION, AND INDIGENOUS IDENTITY: A RESEARCH NOTE ON CHAMORRO IDENTITY IN GUAM

ABSTRACT

This study explores baseline dimensions of identity among Chamorros in Guam, as a case in point of indigenous identity consciousness, in the context of U.S. colonialism, territorial relations, and Americanization. Despite the adverse effects of colonization and Americanization pressures, ethnographic findings suggest that Chamorros are conscious of their indigenous identity with respect to reference-group interaction, political awareness, cultural attitudes, and self-identification. Implications of these preliminary findings for future research on this understudied topic and population are discussed.