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Zoot Suit Essay

1177 Words5 Pages

The crossing between fashion and media can have a powerful impact on the perception of subcultures and marginalized communities, as seen in the case of pachucos and their signature fashion statement with the zoot suit. In the book “Zoot Suit and Other Plays” by Luis Valdez, he explores the experiences and struggles of Mexican Americans and Chicano culture. With one of his plays surrounding the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon Murder case, we find out that the zoot suit was a way to express their cultural identity, also how the media created negative stereotypes about the Mexican American/Latin youth culture. But, it’s also vital to consider the extent to which measures such as “other reasons why they wear the zoot suit” or “what certain stereotypes the media …show more content…

“Our clothes are our armor, our shield against a hostile world. They say to the world, ‘This is who I am. I will not be silenced or erased.’”(Show and Prove) (Quintero). The zoot suit speaks beyond just it being clothing as Sofia Quintero says that it’s their shield against a hostile world. As each zoot suit worn by each different person, they all speak for different things that go towards the same cause. “The media can be a powerful force for change, but only if we hold them accountable and demand more responsible and equitable coverage of marginalized communities.” (Latino Rebels) (Varela). Opinionating over certain people can create hatred towards them, like the Mexican American/Chicanos as they experienced such hate. The role they take on and influence they have is very large and very convincing. The Zoot Suit Era was carried through by mostly media and opinions which led Chicanos struggling for rights. “It had a positive effect on ethnic consciousness among Americans of Mexican descent, and also for the recognition of separate MexicanAmerican identity, but no linguistic impact.” (The Mexican American Experience) (Opfer). Again, the zoot suit held the purpose to separate the identity of others to Mexican Americans. The identity was held through the style of the suits and expressed the confidence that these people had within themselves. Beyond the book, the suits and the media are both seen and huge parts towards the Zoot Suit

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