This episode of "American Experience" is set in Los Angeles during WWII. During this time, the Zoot Suit-wearing Chicanos were seen by police and residents as young thugs. Some undoubtedly were and gang violence was a serious problem. However, when someone is killed by gang warfare, the local authorities arrest a large group of Hispanic youths and try them for the murder...even though there appears to be no evidence that they committed the crime. Following this, the so-call 'Zoot Suit Riots' began, with various servicemen ganging up on Hispanic youths. These riots went on for days and ultimately it was discovered many years later that the killer who committed the murder wasn't any of the people on trial for this crime.
This is a very well made and compelling installment of "American Experience". By the way, I was a bit surprised that this show was about Chicanos, since zoot suits were mostly associated with black Americans.
This is a very well made and compelling installment of "American Experience". By the way, I was a bit surprised that this show was about Chicanos, since zoot suits were mostly associated with black Americans.
