This Day LA, The National Guard, Immigration and the Zoot Suit Riots (Some Sunday Context)
Jun 8, 2025
Emily Spivack, an artist and writer known for her book and Netflix series Worn Stories, joins the conversation to unpack the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943. She explores how the flashy zoot suit became a symbol of cultural identity amid racial tensions in Los Angeles. The discussion also dives into the intersection of clothing and political expression, touching on contemporary issues of immigration and community solidarity. Spivack intriguingly speculates on the potential resurgence of baggy fashion styles, linking past and present in a vibrant cultural tapestry.
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National Guard Use Sparks Fallout
- The National Guard's deployment in LA for immigration raids marks a rare presidential override of local officials since 1965.
- Such deployments often signal desperation by authorities and usually escalate political and cultural fallout rather than resolve issues.
Zoot Suit Symbolizes Defiance
- The Zoot Suit Riots were fueled by racial tensions between Mexican-Americans and white servicemen in LA during WWII.
- The zoot suit itself became a symbol of defiance tied to race, culture, and perceived unpatriotic behavior due to wartime fabric rationing.
Fabric Rationing Fuels Racism
- Zoot suits violated WWII fabric rationing, making wearers seem unpatriotic to the wider society.
- This fueled racist narratives casting Mexican-Americans as indulgent and un-American during the war.