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A sharply dressed man, striking a confident pose in a black Zoot Suit. This image captures the unique fashion style of the Zoot Suit.

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A mannequen dressed in a beige Zoot Suit, with a striking red shirt. This Zoot Suit is an example of a classic Zoot Suit style.

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This Meme defines the common phrase used in the Zoot suit community "Dressed to the Nines".

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Two men standing side by side, both impeccably dressed in Zoot Suits. This image highlights the unique camaraderie that is associated with Zoot Suit culture.

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This article provides a brief examination of the Zoot Suit Riots that occurred during World War 2. It delves into the social and racial issues faced by the Hispanic community during the period.

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On June 3, 1943, white U.S. servicemen and police officers descended upon a majority-Mexican American neighborhood in East Los Angeles, California, and harassed, beat, and detained hundreds of Mexican American youth. The violent riot was sparked by a misunderstanding and scuffle, which occurred the day before, between a group of local Mexican American youth and white sailors, but it had been fueled by centuries of colonialism and white supremacy.

Driven by changing population demographics and racism, tensions in Los Angeles between "zoot suiters," young Mexican American youth who often wore "zoot suits" (a type of oversize suit which was tapered at the ankles and often worn by Black jazz musicians), and the more than 50,000 servicemen in Los Angeles had been high. Though the anger had initially only been at those in Zoot suits, the attacks which followed were aimed at the Mexican American community at large.

About fifty sailors left the Armory on the night of Thursday, June 3, armed with makeshift weapons. The attack on Seaman Coleman was still fresh in their minds and rumors of new attacks were swirling through the base. Their first stop was the nearby neighborhood of Alpine Street - scene of many previous confrontations. Unable to find any zoot-suiters at Alpine, they proceeded toward downtown and stopped at the Carmen Theater. After turning on the house lights, the sailors roamed the aisles looking for zoot-suiters. The first victims of the zoot suit riots - 12 and 13-year-old boys - were guilty of little more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ignoring the protests of the patrons, the sailors tore the suits off their bodies and beat and clubbed the boys. The remains of their suits were then set ablaze.

As the mob of sailors moved on, reports began to reach the Armory's watch commander. Executive Officer Lieutenant Charles Bacon was sent to investigate. After failing to find any evidence of wrongdoing at numerous spots, Bacon came upon the Shore Patrol marching a group of sixty men to the Central Police Station, where they were to be placed in jail. Bacon assumed control of the situation and saw to it that no charges were recorded by the Shore Patrol.

As the second night of rioting began, Mexican American young men drove back and forth in front of the Armory, hurling epithets at the guards. Later that night sailors once again headed out in search of trouble. When the sailors could not find enough zoot-suiters, they decided to take the fight into the Mexican American neighborhoods of East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. It was a new twist on the violence: instead of focusing their attacks in areas where sailors and civilian youth had clashed, the sailors moved into the Mexican American neighborhoods. Thus, their retaliatory strike became an assault on the Mexican American community itself. The sailors cruised the barrio, storming into bars, cafes and theaters. [Excerpted from the " American Experience " PBS Program.]

The violence had a lasting impact in Los Angeles, with many trade unionists, celebrities, communists, and even the First Lady coming to defend Los Angeles' Mexican American community.

Explore the riots through short essays and an interactive history map at Mapping LA's Zoot Suit Riots on the Curbed: Los Angeles website. Find more resources below.

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June 3, 1943: The Zoot Suit Riots - Zinn Education Project

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On June 3, 1943, white U.S. servicemen and police officers descended upon a majority-Mexican American neighborhood in East Los Angeles, California, and harassed, beat, and detained hundreds of Mexican American youth. The violent riot was sparked by a misunderstanding and scuffle, which occurred the day before, between a group of local Mexican American youth and white sailors, but it had been fueled by centuries of colonialism and white supremacy.

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This article offers a look into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of the Zoot Suit.

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Other articles where zoot suit is discussed: Zoot Suit Riots: ...of whom wore outfits called zoot suits. The zoot suit consisted of a broad-shouldered drape jacket, balloon-leg trousers, and, sometimes, a flamboyant hat. Mexican and Mexican American youths who wore these outfits were called zoot-suiters.

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This tweet shares a behind-the-scenes clip from "American Homeboy," featuring professor and author James Diego Vigil discussing the origins of pachucos in El Paso. The clip offers insights into the cultural significance of pachucos and zoot suit movements.

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In this behind the scenes clip from "American Homeboy," professor and author James Diego Vigil discusses El Paso and the origins of pachucos. #chicanos #zootsuit pic.twitter.com/A7qi78Q4af
— American Homeboy (@HomeboyHistory) January 3, 2024

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This YouTube video dives into the history of the Zoot Suit Riots, shedding light on the social, racial, and cultural tensions that fueled this turbulent period in LA history.

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Mexican-Americans Risked Their Lives Wearing Zoot Suits

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Mexican-Americans Risked Their Lives Wearing Zoot Suits

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This YouTube video by Racked delves into the fascinating history and cultural significance of the zoot suit and the movements sprureed on by it.

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Mexican-Americans Risked Their Lives Wearing Zoot Suits | History Of | Racked

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This tweet showcases four captivating pictures. Each image captures the essence of this iconic fashion trend.

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At the 80th anniversary zoot suit. #chicano #zootsuit #fujixseries #fujixt4

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At the 80th anniversary zoot suit. #chicano #zootsuit #fujixseries #fujixt4 https://t.co/wqHKyeHjsc

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At the 80th anniversary zoot suit. #chicano #zootsuit #fujixseries #fujixt4 pic.twitter.com/wqHKyeHjsc
— Omar Bernard Briseno (@goldenours__) June 8, 2023

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At the 80th anniversary zoot suit. #chicano #zootsuit #fujixseries #fujixt4 https://t.co/wqHKyeHjsc

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At the 80th anniversary zoot suit. #chicano #zootsuit #fujixseries #fujixt4 https://t.co/wqHKyeHjsc

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At the 80th anniversary zoot suit. #chicano #zootsuit #fujixseries #fujixt4

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This Meme highlights the contrast between society’s expectations, and personnel style. This image expresses how it’s okay to go against society’s standards.