The Zoot Suit Riots was a time when many young Mexican Americans felt out of place. They felt as if they were not a part of America, so they started to wear jackets with big shoulder blades with large pants to express themselves. Many people saw this as a rebellious way of dressing, even their own families disapproved. For instance, one specific group that held a grudge towards the Mexican Americans was the sailors that were coming back from World War II. There was resentment towards the Mexican Americans on the account of them not participating in World War II, this caused an uproar of racism towards Mexican Americans, this also brought violence towards their neighborhood, and this discrimination can still be seen today. So, by understanding …show more content…
To demonstrate the increase of the Mexican American neighborhood violence there were 200 sailors in East Los Angeles who were searching for Mexican Americans to assault. For example, The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to the incident and arrested them, but released the sailors (Chiodo 3). There were many cases in which the Mexican Americans were assaulted by the sailors, in their own neighborhood and the police proceeded to arrest only the Mexican Americans. With this in mind, Sal Salvador saw when a couple was walking down the street and two sailors tried to pull down the pants of the Mexican American woman. It took the police five minutes to get to the scene but instead of arresting the sailors they arrested the Mexican American couple (The Start of Mexican American Gangs in Los Angeles, CA). The Los Angeles police department was bias during the Zoot Suit Riots by favoring the sailors for being war-heroes and on account of the majority of them were white. In other words, a police officer said, “You can say that the cops had a “hands-off” policy during the riots. Well, we represented public opinion. Many of us were in the First World War, and we are not going to pick on the kids in the service” (People & Events: The Zoot Suit Riots of 1943). This is a perfect example of the favoritism sailors received, owing to the police sharing a connection with them. Many of the sailors …show more content…
To explain this, people have to reflect back to the way the Mexican Americans were being singled-out in the 1940s. For instance, Mexican Americans were said to be criminals rather than adolescents that used a style of clothing as a way to express themselves. The newspapers and police officers were discriminating against the Mexican Americans by implying they were criminals. To illustrate this, the discrimination in the 1940s by the Los Angeles paper wrote an article explaining how to “de-zoot” a “zoot suiter” the Los Angeles paper wrote in great detail how to remove the piece of clothing known as zoot suits and how to assault Mexican Americans (People & Events: The Zoot Suit Riots of 1943). Comparatively Mexican Americans are going through a similar case of discrimination by the elected Republican candidate, that is running for the 2016 presidency. In his presidential annocement speech, Donald trump said, “When Mexico sends their people they are not sending their best they are not sending, you. You, they are sending their people who have lots of problems. They are bringing those problems here, they are bringing drugs, they are bringing crime, they are rapist and some I assume they are good people” (Donald Trump Doubles down on Calling Mexicans 'rapists' - CNN Video.). Statements like this, such as the one the Republican candidate Donald Trump made towards Mexican will only continue racism and
Consolidated with authentic research, Twilight provides an important examination of the hidden reasons for the Los Angeles riots. A more drawn out chronicled see additionally uncovers the bigger class strains and the gigantic change of ethnic structure of Los Angeles from 1970 to 1990 that added to the atmosphere that could deliver such a huge scale riot.
Zoot suits, associated with the Mexican race, consisted of a long jacket that reached almost to the knees, pants with a “tight stuff cuff”, a “wide, flat hat, and Dutch-toe shoes” (Berger 193). These zoot suits were worn by the Mexican youth who were accused of murder on August 2, 1942. People claimed that Jose Diaz was murdered by a gang that had broken up a party at Sleepy Lagoon ranch located close to Los Angeles. However, even though the lower court did convict them of murder, two years later the district court of appeals took that decision back by stating that there was not enough good evidence and that most of that decision was made based on prejudice issues. This incident became known as the “Sleepy Lagoon Affair” and was made an international topic, especially when it was made to look like Americans were making it a point to harm Latin-American citizens. Afterwards, the “Sleepy Lagoon Affair” opened the doorway to much more discrimination against Mexicans and brought many more riots to Los Angeles between Mexicans and Americans (Gorn 183).
The zoot suit symbolized several different things for the Mexican American population in the Los Angeles community. Not only was it a symbol of pride in their Mexican heritage, but also a form of rebellion from the norms emplaced upon the Mexican teenagers by their parents. These suits were also a symbol of unity, these young men wanted to look different and feel as if they’re culture could be something they could display and be proud of. This whole image was seen by the modern culture of Los Angeles to be “gang” related or distasteful. These “Pachuco” or punks often spoke a hybrid of English and Spanish, this was known as “calo.” However, many of the Mexican American teenagers at the time, spoke only English. The outfit often included pants wide at the knee often 40 inches or more, a broad shouldered jacket, hat, chain wallet and shined shoes called “calcos.”
Zoot Suit is a political play designed to display the Chicano struggle against oppression and injustice. Although Zoot Suit reaches back to a historical event for Mexican-Americans, the play concerns all ethnic minorities in America. The Zoot Suit is a historical image that embodies a form of agency imbued with political power and rebellion for Chicanos and Chicanas alike. This play is counteractive to the prejudice and misrepresentation of Zoot Suiters of the time and is a tool for historical education. Not only does this play educate those who were unable to bear witness to such discrimination, but it also displays the ways in which counterculture can be powerful and make changes in society.
Latino/a immigrants share similar experiences of anti-immigrant rhetoric, just like other immigrant groups. Many Latino/as in America have faced negative comments based on their identity. For example, Rush Limbaugh, a radio host, expounds negative comments toward Latino/as, particularly Mexicans. He claimed that Mexicans are “a renegade, potential[ly] criminal element” that is “unwilling to work” (Media Matters for America, 2/28/06). These malice comments were similar to those of other immigrants.
This incident would have produced nothing more than another report for resisting arrest had a bystander, George Holliday, not videotaped the altercation. Holliday then released the footage to the media. LAPD Officers Lawrence Powell, Stacey Koon, Timothy Wind and Theodore Brisino were indicted and charged with assaulting King. Superior Court Judge Stanley Weisberg ordered a change of venue to suburban Simi Valley, which is a predominantly white suburb of Los Angeles. All officers were subsequently acquitted by a jury comprised of 10 whites, one Hispanic and one Asian, and the African American community responded in a manner far worse than the Watts Riots of 1965. ?While the King beating was tragic, it was just the trigger that released the rage of a community in economic strife and a police department in serious dec...
According to Dr. Carl S. Taylor, the relationship between minority groups and police in the United States has historically been strained. Some cities have a deep and bitter history of bias and prejudice interwoven in their past relationships. The feeling in many communities today is that the system pits law enforcement as an occupying army versus the neighborhood. Dr. Taylor wrote about easing tensions between police and minorities, but stated “If there is any good news in the current situation, it is that the history of this strain has found the 1990’s ripe for change.
Youth subcultures threaten the social structure of a racial hierarchy. This is clearly represented with the events that led up to the Zoot Suit Riots. Migration of distinct populations to Los Angeles from the late 1800s to the late 1940s was not embraced positively by most white residents. Instead, many used the race of the migrants as an excuse to discriminate and segregate. Pachucos were one of these subcultures that were influenced by the music and customs that were brought to Los Angeles during the African American migration. With the combination of many cultures and customs, many subcultures that questioned the racial hierarchy were created. Through music these youth subcultures shed light on what they believed was right. These migrants
As long as civilizations have been around, there has always been a group of oppressed people; today the crucial problem facing America happens to be the discrimination and oppression of Mexican immigrants. “Mexican Americans constitute the oldest Hispanic-origin population in the United States.”(57 Falcon) Today the population of Mexican’s in the United States is said to be about 10.9%, that’s about 34 million people according to the US Census Bureau in 2012. With this many people in the United States being of Mexican descent or origin, one would think that discrimination wouldn’t be a problem, however though the issue of Mexican immigrant oppression and discrimination has never been a more prevalent problem in the United States before now. As the need for resolve grows stronger with each movement and march, the examination of why these people are being discriminated against and oppressed becomes more crucial and important. Oppression and Anti-discrimination organizations such as the Freedom Socialist Organization believe that the problem of discrimination began when America conquered Mexican l...
Rios describes how patrol officer didn’t really care, or to help these youth. Instead of helping out, law enforcement targeted these young deviant boys. Rios shows us a depth overview of Oakland Police Department. In doing so, he shows us how the miscommunication, and the inequality these law agencies in the inner city ghetto
What would it be like to wake up everyday knowing you would get bullied, mistreated, and/or abused just because of where you were born? Discrimination still exists! “Discrimination remains and there is an increase in hate crimes against Hispanics, Latinos and Mexican-Americans, as one of the perceived symbols of that discrimination, the U.S.-Mexico Border Fence, nears completion. Instead of pulling together in these difficult times, we may see a greater polarization of attitudes” (Gibson). But why are hate crimes increasing towards Latin and Hispanic aliens and what types of discrimination are occurring against them? Understanding violence towards the Hispanic and Latin alien is divided into three main classes; the difference between legal and illegal aliens, the attacks and effects, and the point of view of different people towards aliens.
Mr. Diaz goes on about the presidential speech, Donald had that week, then Donald repeats his thoughts over Mexicans. He then comments about the possibilities of terrorists coming to the US from the Mexican border, that it could be possible, especially looking at the situations that could happen like 9/11. As a politician, he should have more of the information on hand than those in the lower class or Tv News. When you think of situations, it could be a possibility, yet 9/11 isn’t sufficient enough to become an example that could happen. The terrorist that came to destroy the peace, came with permission (VISA) from the country. There was no need to come through the border we have come to a time where there is an easier path than using the border to come pass by and kill thousands of people. Donald Trump has been looking at the negative things about Latinos, however, hasn’t looked at the important situations. Gay equality has just become approved this year, and now he wants to start another conflict with the people of this country. Even in the year 2015, we still have the problem of looking at colored people differently. Racial Equality, a common thing we still have marched for even though it has been years since it became established. Congress has voted for equality (Equal Rights Amendment), yet why do we see people like Donald Trump still going against other ethnicity? The marches are still going on, people are still standing up, yet nothing has changed. Even people who are non-Latinos could become affected with remarks Trump says. If Donald, who has no sense in accepting Hispanics, may have similar feelings with another race. Removing undocumented doesn’t only mean Mexicans, but others as well, such as Asian, Cubans, and Central American People (Guatemalans, Salvadorans
Police brutality is one of the most serious human rights violations in the United States and it occurs everywhere. The reason why I chose this topic is because police brutality happens all the time in the United States and still remains unrecognized by many. Additionally, the public should be knowledgeable about this topic because of how serious this crime can be and the serious outcomes that police brutality can have on other police officers and the public. The job of police officers is to maintain public order, prevent, and detect crimes. They are involved in very dangerous and stressful occupations that can involve violent situations that must be stopped and controlled by any means. In many confrontations with people, police may find it necessary to use excessive force to take control of a certain situation. Sometimes this makes an officer fight with a suspect who resists being arrested. Not all cops in communities are great cops. At least once a year, the news covers a story about a person being beat by an officer. The article “Minority Threat and Police Brutality: Determinants of Civil Rights Criminal Complaints in U.S. Municipalities” by Malcolm D. Holmes from the University of Wyoming, uses the conflict theory to explain why officers go after minorities sometimes causing police brutality. It explains the police’s tension with African American and Latino males. Those minorities are the ones that retaliate more against police officers which causes the officer to use violent force to defend themselves.
...bers fired upon police forces. Despite the controversy of May 13th, it exemplifies criminalization. The authorities felt threatened by a particular group, in this case MOVE, an organization predominantly African-American with radical political notions. Although race may not have been affected the motives of the group it is possible that they affected the actions taken against them. Keep in mind that although African-Americans had equal rights in the 1970s and 1980s, they were still a minority and heavily discriminated against.
In addressing the Los Angeles riot, Dr. West, wrote, “The riot of April 1992 was, neither a race riot, nor a class rebellion, rather, this monumental upheaval was a multiracial, trans-class, and largely male display of justified social rage.” These events were unfortunate, and attempts were made by ‘the powers that be’ to blame them on “the black underclass, the action of criminal hoodlums, or the political revolt of the oppressed urban masses miss the mark.” Instead, Dr. West attributed the cause to: economic decline, cultural decay, and political lethargy in American life. He stated, “Race was the visible catalyst, not the underlying cause.”