Who would have thought that wearing a flashy, colorful suit could transform one’s culture? Zoot Suit, a play by Luis Valdez, relates the Sleepy Lagoon Case of the year 1942. The courts accused a group of “Pachucos”, Mexican Americans (Mexicans), of murdering Jose Diaz. The political play It Takes Zoot Suit aims to portray the Chicano battle. The Zoot suits were the Mexican American’s way to “fit in” American culture. However, they may have overdone it because they did not fit well with Americans.
Zoot Suit shows how many Mexican Americans suffered discrimination during this period. In the American culture, “Zoot Suiters” felt powerless and used their clothing to express their feelings and to gain their masculinity. The Pachucos’ ethnic identity was the reason they were accused, rather than any evidence. The Zoot Suit is an ethnic identity that has a main Pachuco. He serves as Henry, the alleged murderer. El Pachuco, through his comments in the musical that clarify many issues, has one of the biggest roles. This includes his final confrontation at the musical’s end with the journalist, in which he highlights the injustices Mexican Americans endured. El Pachuco is the character who confronts the reporter in the musical’s final scene. This brings discrimination, prejudices and other issues to the forefront. The musical puts the issue of discrimination and prejudices etc. front and center. El Pachuco interferes again when El Pachuco is told to stand by the judge when his name is announced in the courtroom. Zoot Suiters are now grouped as a group and given a stereotypical image, instead of being able to express their individuality. Over and over again, the Mexican Americans in the riots were vilified by the sailors. They started the fights on the streets and accused the “pachucos”.
The musical, which is about a Mexican American historical event, should not be limited to Mexican Americans alone. It should concern all minorities living in the United States. This musical is a way to educate people about the Zoot Suiters, and it can also be used for other minorities. It is a great way to educate those who have never experienced discrimination. The counterculture also has the power to change a society.
