In the midst of World War II mayhem erupted in Los Angeles.
The Zoot Suit as a Symbol
In August of 1942, a fight broke out on a ranch where several Mexican American youth where attending a party.
Symbolic Change
The body of Juan Diaz was found the day after the ranch party which led to the arrest and convictions of several Mexican Americans boys who were later acquitted of the charges.
What is the Zoot suit of today?
What was called "The Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial", imposed a negative image of young Mexican American boys that wore Zoot suits in the public's eyes. Racial tension began to reach its climax.
the symbolism of protesting
Don't buy Grapes ¡Si Se Puede!
When the racial tension exploded, servicemen and civilians joined together to rampage thru Los Angele's in search of a symbol to destroy. The Zoot suit wearing Mexican American's where the symbol that need to be crushed.
The Zoot suit became a symbol that represented the opposite values from that of civilians and servicemen and had to be eradicated. Now the question is, What is the Zoot suit of today?
Through history, the symbolic Zoot suit has been used and transformed into other forms as a way to take a stand for injustices that are being done unto a certain group.
take out !The United Farm Workers
Boycott
Grapes
Brown Berets
symbolism through art
Undocumented protesers arrested
The United Farm Workers union. include a picture with cesar chavez!
Symbols in our communities
get a closer picture
This piece of art titled "Kill the Pachuco Bastard!" by Vincent Valdez is part of a collection owned by Cheech Marin. This painting depicts the violent events that occurred during the Zoot suit riots.