Zoo Suit
Jaime Aparicio
Dr. G. Nunez
CHIC 305-01
September 22, 2011 The book Zoot Suit has symbolic significance for Mexican Americans and tells about the riots during the World War II. The Sleepy Lagoon Murder was one-step in the fight for the rights and respect of Mexicans American's. In the play El Pachuco wearing an elegant long zoot suit, and is the centerpiece of the play where he is able to pause time and take Henry to the past. El Pachuco symbolizes Mexican American youths who fought for nationalism, family, and equality. Throughout the play, it is clear to say that the Pachuco represents all Chicanos both male and female. This statement true in the way that all Chicanos have the same problems and are fighting for the same rights. El Pachuco also shows a fine connection to the Chicano Nationalist Paradigm and the model of obligatory heterosexuality. For instance, his personality is very masculine and proceeds himself to be a tough person because traditionally been defined as a queer or gay would be considered outside of la familia. In addition, El Pachuco shows Henry his devotion, and loyalty when he express his patriotism of being a pachuco. In addition, El Pachuco describes the relationship between a father and son in a ideal Mexican family. Lastly, El Pachuco symbolizes how equality played a significant part for many Chicanos that were set aside and treated differently by their race, language, culture, and eventually where not assimilated as equal citizens. The main understanding that El Pachuco portrays about la familia is like a government with different levels of power. For example, Enrique is the king of the house and is respected by all the members in the family. Although Henry portrays himself to be a Pachuco and all the masculine features that follow that image, it is unrealistic for Henry to ever be the king of the house as long as Enrique is still alive. For example, at the end of the play when Henry was trying to go outside to defend Joey, his
Dr. G. Nunez
CHIC 305-01
September 22, 2011 The book Zoot Suit has symbolic significance for Mexican Americans and tells about the riots during the World War II. The Sleepy Lagoon Murder was one-step in the fight for the rights and respect of Mexicans American's. In the play El Pachuco wearing an elegant long zoot suit, and is the centerpiece of the play where he is able to pause time and take Henry to the past. El Pachuco symbolizes Mexican American youths who fought for nationalism, family, and equality. Throughout the play, it is clear to say that the Pachuco represents all Chicanos both male and female. This statement true in the way that all Chicanos have the same problems and are fighting for the same rights. El Pachuco also shows a fine connection to the Chicano Nationalist Paradigm and the model of obligatory heterosexuality. For instance, his personality is very masculine and proceeds himself to be a tough person because traditionally been defined as a queer or gay would be considered outside of la familia. In addition, El Pachuco shows Henry his devotion, and loyalty when he express his patriotism of being a pachuco. In addition, El Pachuco describes the relationship between a father and son in a ideal Mexican family. Lastly, El Pachuco symbolizes how equality played a significant part for many Chicanos that were set aside and treated differently by their race, language, culture, and eventually where not assimilated as equal citizens. The main understanding that El Pachuco portrays about la familia is like a government with different levels of power. For example, Enrique is the king of the house and is respected by all the members in the family. Although Henry portrays himself to be a Pachuco and all the masculine features that follow that image, it is unrealistic for Henry to ever be the king of the house as long as Enrique is still alive. For example, at the end of the play when Henry was trying to go outside to defend Joey, his