277 - Zoot Suit Riot

In the midst of WWII, conflict broke out in Los Angeles between members of the navy and Mexican American youth stemming from tensions from a naval base being built over a primarily Mexican community and the young people in the community flaunting zoot suits that defied rationing laws.  In 1943 these tensions spilled over into violence as thousands of navy sailors began to attack anyone the could find wearing a zoot suit or other clothing that made them appear related to the pachuco youth culture movement.  Take a listen and learn about the real Zoot Suit Riots.