Zoot Suit Riot

The Zoot Suit Riot refers to a ten-day period in June 1943 in Los Angeles, California, when civilians and servicemen clashed with young Mexican Americans, whose distinctive dress gave name to the encounter. The term “riot” is misleading because the event was actually a series of beatings and fights that continued uncontrolled for a week and a half. It was an example of how a city's social dynamics and tensions were heightened during wartime. The situation in Los Angeles was particularly contentious in this period. Increased numbers of Mexicans had been moving into Los Angeles in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. By the time of World War II, California faced an explosive mix between the various ethnic groups residing there, the transient military populations training in the state, and the still lingering ideology of white supremacy.

Although the zoot suit has become most identifiable with Mexican American youth because of the riot, the zoot suit itself had been popular in Europe and throughout the United States for numerous years prior to the 1940s. This distinctive style of dress involved wearing pants that were loose-fitting but tapered and cuffed at the ankles and large jackets that had wide shoulders. Large-brimmed hats often accompanied the outfit. The flamboyance of the suit itself and the brazen attitude of many of its wearers gave rise to certain terms. “Zoot suiter” referred to a young man with supposed delinquent tendencies who was shunned by much of mainstream America.

Zoot suiters demonstrated a rebellious attitude that was at odds with the patriotic spirit of the times. Tensions in the Los Angeles area towards zoot-suit wearing young men had also been exacerbated by a serious of articles published in the Los Angeles Times that referred to Mexican Americans in demeaning terms. Also playing a part in the tension was the constant fear that Japan might stage an attack on the West Coast. Conformity became even more important under such circumstances.

The outbreak of violence in 1943 was sparked by a street fight between sailors and young Mexican American men at the end of May. Sailors organized a few days later to retaliate against the zoot suiters. The first night, the servicemen attacked young boys (12 to 13 years of age). The following night the sailors, unable to find many zoot suiters, went into Mexican American neighborhoods, rampaging through restaurants, bars, and theaters. There was a distinct change in tactics, as any Mexican American encountered became a target, not just zoot suiters. Over the next several nights, more and more people joined in the attacks. Some were servicemen, including Army soldiers and marines; some came from installations as far away as Las Vegas. Others were citizens of Los Angeles who were eager to join in the fracas and vent their frustrations against people of color.

During the riot, thousands of off-duty servicemen were joined by hundreds of local white civilians who proceeded to attack not only Hispanic youths but also young African Americans and Filipinos. The military men beat and stripped minorities wearing zoot suits of their clothing. In this they were even encouraged by a Los Angeles newspaper, which counseled its readers to burn the seized zoot suits in fires.

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