Pennant, "Tucumcari, New Mexico," 1940-1965

The "Sleeping Mexican" became a common ethnic caricature in the mid-20th century, especially in the American Southwest. The image, like the one on this pennant, reinforced a prejudice held by many non-Hispanic Americans that Mexicans were "lazy." Today, some Hispanics have embraced the caricature as a hard-working Mexican who is only resting after a long day's work -- turning the negative stereotype on its head.