This study examined aspects of adolescent identity formation and the socio-cultural context that shapes the self. A sample of 950 eighth-grade students (males and females of both African-American and European American descent) were asked to identify 2 hero figures (one that they know personally and one that they do not know but is famous) and list the traits they admire in those figures. Subjects were also questioned about self-esteem, ethnic identification, and racial importance. Among the results: (1) European American females had the lowest self-esteem and the majority chose male famous heroes; (2) African Americans chose a family member as a known hero more often than expected, while European Americans chose a teacher more often than expected; and (3) one quarter of the sample, particularly girls, had difficulty and therefore chose no famous hero. The admired traits of the two heroes/heroines chosen reveal gender and racial differences. (Contains six tables.) (MT)