Although Mexican-American and Black-American movements in the United States have typically been compared, significant differences between the two minorities--especially in cultural norms and expectations--make comparisons inaccurate and misleading. This paper explores the differences between the Black-American and Mexican-American minorities, focusing on the analysis of intercultural communication behavior as it is affected by cultural variables, on cultural assimilation and cultural pluralism, and on economic and political comparative standards. Differences in the following cultural variables are discussed: language, cultural history, multiculturalism, educational opportunities, Chicanismo and people with "soul," family orientation, participation in the church, belief in the supernatural, diet, dress habits, sports preferences, respect for the elderly, concept of community, drug use, national identity, musical tastes, celebrations, and possessions. (JM)