Zoot Suit Riots In The 40's

The Manson murders as well as the Sleepy Lagoon murder were both war time murders that involved outsiders who were seen as a threat to the American way of life as both hippies and Mexican American’s rejected societal norms through their unique attire, rebellious attitudes, and vehement resistance or support to war. As they walked to their own beat, hippies in the 60’s did everything other than the norm, by creating their own perspectives and lifestyles and rejecting the American values that had long been in place. In turn, The Sleepy Lagoon trial in the 40’s, which preceded the Zoot Suit Riots, fueled racial tensions between Mexicans and white Angelenos through the riots, as Mexican youth, dressed in Zoot Suits were defying the establishment …show more content…
Zoot Suits consisted of bright colors, with broad shoulders and wide pants that were highly exaggerated, defining the Zoot Suit style. Many dressed in this sort of attire were considered as “pachucos,” “gangsters” or “cholos” and were characterized as gang members who wandered the streets, and were stereotyped with criminal activity.11 Such was the case, as many were skeptical of how these suits were acquired by young minorities, as the suits were costly and difficult to obtain. Some youth involved in criminal activities were also seen wearing the suit, which lead to the stereotype of all those wearing Zoot Suits were seen as criminals and the attire meant trouble.12 While Zoot Suits resulted in stereotypes of Mexican American individuals, many youth viewed the suit as a way to fit in and assert their independence. Many Mexican Americans strived to assimilate with white individuals and with American culture because they wanted to feel accepted. In addition, they desired to avoid the prejudice and abuse they faced within society and believed that as minorities, Zoot Suit provided them with a sense of