The concept of the mestiza implies a consciousness that is mobile, multiple, nomadic and schizoid. In sketching out what the mestiza might entail, Gloria Anzaldua point out that borders are places where different cultures, identities, sexualities, classes, geographies, races and genders collide or interchange. She then claims that the consciousness of the 'new mestiza' - or mixed-race woman - as one involving 'crossing over' and 'perpetual transition', is a useful metaphor for avoiding unitary paradigms and dualistic thought. Crossing and blurring boundaries is an essential feature of the mestiza.