Zoot Suit By Luis Valdez: An Analysis

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A historical commentary written by Luis Valdez, Zoot Suit presents the issue of discrimination brought about by the clashing of two opposing cultures. Henry (Hank) Reyna represents this theme as he attempts to prove his innocence when he and other members of the 38th Street gang are accused and taken to court for a crime they did not commit. Henry and his gang are charged with the murder of a fellow Mexican American, Jose Williams, not because there was convincing evidence to prove them guilty, but because their ethnic identity and unique style of behavior drew arguably unwarranted suspicion to them. The underlying conflict that leads to their arrest and unfair trial is a clash between Mexican Americans and the dominant Anglo (white) culture. The zoot suiters represented a minority portion of Mexican Americans. They donned slick suits and strutted around with swaggering coolness. These mannerisms were seen by some Anglos as a threat to mainstream society. …show more content…

Enrique represents the assimilated Mexican Americans of the 1940s, who accepted being segregated in the barrios (Spanish-speaking neighborhoods) and who held low-paying, low-status jobs. They were tolerated by the Anglo society as long as they limited their aspirations and kept to themselves. Enrique is perfectly content to keep his nose clean and deal with the circumstances the Anglo community confines him and other Mexican Americans to. Enrique and the rest of Henry’s family influence the part of Henry that strives to become a model citizen and join the

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