The Zoot Suit: a Symbol of Deviance or Heroism?

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There is a deeper history to the racism toward the Chicano/a community than many know and recognize. The problems surrounding the U.S./Mexico border often make up the only reason behind the intolerant thoughts toward the Chicano/a. Without a deeper understanding of where the Chicano/a came from and what s/he has gone through, there will be little progress in brotherhood. What can be considered to be a rough beginning to the dislike of the Chicano/a in the U.S. is the American annexation of the current Southwestern region from Mexico followed by the Mexican Repatriation program during the Great Depression. These acts enflamed the Mexican-American relationship and instigated the Zoot Suit Riots in 1943. The term ‘zoot suit’ refers to the type of suit worn by the Chicano, African- and Italian-American communities in the 1940s; it can be recognized by the tight-cuffed, high-waisted, wide-legged trousers and long coat with padded shoulders. They were considered a luxury because of the extent of material and tailoring used; this gave more fuel to both the rebelliousness and the hatred of Mexican youth. The subculture of these flamboyant gang youths is referred to as ‘pachuco’. It represented defiance against the older generation and American culture through its extravagance. Another factor in the provocation of the riots in Los Angeles was that many Latino males were not in the military, which only raised questions about their patriotism. It may have been mainly the attitude toward the war that truly drove the violent actions of military personnel; with rationing affecting every American family and wool being one of the many products cut down, the zoot suit was a pricey and obvious affront to the rationing regulations. The combination of these sparked the series of riots between the zoot suiters and the predominantly white members of the U.S. military.

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