I haven’t had much time to devote to the sickness community, but when I read the Pachuco had question; I had to devote some time in spreading some of my knowledge.
A myth persists today concerning Pachucos who were young people of Mexican descent that lived in the United States during the second World War. In the memories of the people of the varrios and the colonias, Pachucos were those young people who were known for their distinct appearance. The men most often wore Zootsuits. The padded suitcoats that were baggy and draped at the ankle. With most males having their hair combed backward (ducktail fashion). The complete wardrobe usually included a lid, or hat, and shoes with extra thick soles. It was fashionable at the time to wear a chain hanging from the pants that could be seen while wearing the suit coat.
A similarly unique style was worn by Pachucas who combed their hair in a pompadour fashion, and sported short skirts. Pachucas are remembered for their having fought alongside their partners during the street fights of 1943. Consequently, these young women were characterized as having been delinquent and morally lacking for their having been in the company of Pachucos. They found themselves in the contradictory position of being expected to conform to traditional Mexican family values, while at the same time having to defend their honor against the press and those servicemen who demonstrated a lack of respect for their dignity.
Contrary to how the Pachucos may have been viewed by the people in their own community, the media of their time has stereotyped these young people as having been violent juvenile criminals who ran around in gangs, carrying knives and bicycle chains. They are also portrayed as having been disloyal and unpatriotic for attacking sailors and other servicemen during America’s darkest hour. The historical myth of the Pachuco is that they were nothing more than ethnic gangsters who were foreign in their appearance, citizenship, and ideology.
This is the categorization the media will give them time and time, so don’t go looking for information on the internet. Now, the style of clothing they wore was a symbolic expression of individuality. They were proud MEXICANS when America wanted a melting pot, and at that time California was not divided so unity and power was within them. If you would like to know about the 1943 Zoot Suite riots, I will enjoy giving you factual information that will teach you the history of when MEXICANS fought as one.
A myth persists today concerning Pachucos who were young people of Mexican descent that lived in the United States during the second World War. In the memories of the people of the varrios and the colonias, Pachucos were those young people who were known for their distinct appearance. The men most often wore Zootsuits. The padded suitcoats that were baggy and draped at the ankle. With most males having their hair combed backward (ducktail fashion). The complete wardrobe usually included a lid, or hat, and shoes with extra thick soles. It was fashionable at the time to wear a chain hanging from the pants that could be seen while wearing the suit coat.
A similarly unique style was worn by Pachucas who combed their hair in a pompadour fashion, and sported short skirts. Pachucas are remembered for their having fought alongside their partners during the street fights of 1943. Consequently, these young women were characterized as having been delinquent and morally lacking for their having been in the company of Pachucos. They found themselves in the contradictory position of being expected to conform to traditional Mexican family values, while at the same time having to defend their honor against the press and those servicemen who demonstrated a lack of respect for their dignity.
Contrary to how the Pachucos may have been viewed by the people in their own community, the media of their time has stereotyped these young people as having been violent juvenile criminals who ran around in gangs, carrying knives and bicycle chains. They are also portrayed as having been disloyal and unpatriotic for attacking sailors and other servicemen during America’s darkest hour. The historical myth of the Pachuco is that they were nothing more than ethnic gangsters who were foreign in their appearance, citizenship, and ideology.
This is the categorization the media will give them time and time, so don’t go looking for information on the internet. Now, the style of clothing they wore was a symbolic expression of individuality. They were proud MEXICANS when America wanted a melting pot, and at that time California was not divided so unity and power was within them. If you would like to know about the 1943 Zoot Suite riots, I will enjoy giving you factual information that will teach you the history of when MEXICANS fought as one.
