Research within this subject exposed to me the horrific events that are desensitized or even obscured within history books. World War II was a time of nationalism and the injustices that occurred to various civilians contrasted with the heroism of America, so these events were covered up to preserve feelings of being the better guys. During this period of
anger and suspicion, much of patriotism and protection towards an area was confused with nationalism and racism against a differing group of people.
The Zoot Suit Riots revealed to me the actions people take when given either power or even obscure situations that they don't comprehend how to approach or handle. When given power, people do have the ability to choose not only
their own but also their society’s voice. In the situation of a minority
group with an unfamiliar culture in the midst of a dominant group, it is in this dominant group's power to assist in just reactions towards this group during moments of
suspicion or even hesitation. The Zoot Suit Riots showed me how the the dominant group, middle class Caucasians, through
jealousy and suspicion of the Mexican-American teenage minority, brought
violence and hatred, limiting and hurting innocent people because of a
patriotism that turned xenophobic.
Throughout history, cultures are discriminated against and political figures allow for this behavior, and as the aftermath shows from these riots, it’s up to these figures to speak out and reveal unacceptable behavior. Zoot Suits for me exemplified behaviors within cultures and groups of people and how certain actions are due not from universal human traits but rather from cultural values and differences. These riots showed me how history repeats itself, and in this case how people have a natural pattern of practicing violence and exclusion towards a specific group and justify their actions with patriotism (although it can be more xenophobic than patriotic). It also shows how political figures can cover up these actions to make it seem as if they are justified and consequently show the subjectivity of history as they make events more benign than they actually are.
Throughout history, cultures are discriminated against and political figures allow for this behavior, and as the aftermath shows from these riots, it’s up to these figures to speak out and reveal unacceptable behavior. Zoot Suits for me exemplified behaviors within cultures and groups of people and how certain actions are due not from universal human traits but rather from cultural values and differences. These riots showed me how history repeats itself, and in this case how people have a natural pattern of practicing violence and exclusion towards a specific group and justify their actions with patriotism (although it can be more xenophobic than patriotic). It also shows how political figures can cover up these actions to make it seem as if they are justified and consequently show the subjectivity of history as they make events more benign than they actually are.
What do you think Los Angeles, or even America has learned from the Zoot Suit Riots? What do you think are the chances of such an incident repeating itself in the future?
ReplyDelete-Arkar Kyaw
The Zoot Suit Riots have revealed to America the apparent inequality faced in a country that prides itself on equality of all classes and races. At this time, the Holocaust was occurring, so this incident would have been a wake up call to how prejudice was even present in Los Angeles, a city of dreams. I feel that an incident like this is possible to repeat itself, but probably not due to racial conflict but due to other differences.
DeleteDo you think the soldiers would have acted differently if another minority group was at the center of the debate? What about if whites were?
ReplyDeleteI feel that the soldiers would've acted this way if any type of minority was at the center of the debate because it was a mixture of racial conflict and mixed feelings towards rationed items being used for clothing. However, I feel that there would have been more controversy if whites were at the center of this debate and their actions would have been more excused.
DeleteHow do you Los Angeles has changed due to the Zoot Suit Riot? Do you think people should approach differently to generate better result?
ReplyDeleteLos Angeles has changed in its awareness of its treatment of minorities. As well, the Zoot Suit Riots were a starting point for the Chicano Movement and angering Chicano citizens of unfair, brutal treatment. Yes, I think people should approach these issues differently, as violence is never the answer.
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