Original Article How class background affects Mexican Americans ’ experiences of subtle racism in the white-collar workplace Jody Agius Vallejo University of Southern California, Los Angeles Abstract This research examines three questions. First and most broadly, how are professional Mexican Americans received in white-collar workplaces? Second, do their professional accomplishments buffer them from subtle racism? If not, what are the strategies they employ to manage subtle racism while at work? Finally, do experiences of subtle racism vary depending on whether one grows up poor or middle class? Based on 59 in-depth interviews with 1.5 and second-generation Mexican American profes- sionals, results show those from poor backgrounds report more persistent experiences with subtle racism and they employ specific strategies to manage. This research adds to the literature by examining whether and to what extent class background heightens or minimizes Mexican Americans’ experiences of interpersonal racism in the white-collar workplace. This research also addresses larger debates and theories about whether boundaries between Mexican Americans and whites remain salient once Mexican Americans enter the middle class. Latino Studies (2015) 13, 69–87. doi:10.1057/lst.2014.70 Keywords: professional Mexican Americans; subtle racism; Mexican American middle class This research examines Mexican Americans who have penetrated the white-collar workforce and whether and to what extent they experience subtle racism, the subtle yet persistent expressions of discrimination experienced in daily life (Essed, 1991). © 2015 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. 1476-3435 Latino Studies Vol. 13, 1, 69–87 www.palgrave-journals.com/lst/