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The term generally refers to a social middle class that is not quite part of the ruling class but is in a definite position of power in relation to the impoverished Amerindian population. In terms of ethnic implications, the term is used fairly loosely across different contexts. It sometimes may be heard to refer to the Mestizo (mixed Spanish/Amerindian) middle class, and at other times refers to the population of Amerindian peoples who have attained some level of social mobility above the largely impoverished indigenous masses, especially in regard to material wealth and immitating the Western/American lifestyle as much as possible. This latter definition is often used in indigenist rhetoric as a derogotory term for indigenous peoples who have betrayed their community to be part of the middle class, people who even go as far as to literally deny their Amerindian heritage. Rigoberta Menchú 's famous memoir uses the term in such a way, which illustrates the use of the term in Guatemala in both a derogatory way (Amerindian to mestizo/ladino) and in the general mestizo/ladino community to define one's ethnic heritage. |