Term used by Mexicans to distinguish themselves from other Hispanic groups. In the early twentieth century, Mexican nationalists and intellectuals coined the term "Raza cosmica" in valorizing Mexico's mestizo, or racially mixed population. Mexico was the "bridge" which joined peoples from most of the continents: Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Of primarily Indian and Spanish ancestry, Mexicans today use the term "La Raza" to proudly distinguish themselves from other Hispanic groups.