During World War II, America was short on workers and struck a deal with Mexico to send temporary help while servicemen were gone. In a society that wasn't very welcoming, this increase in immigrant workers was not well received. At the same time, people were asked to ration during the war, including how much fabric they wore with their clothes as anything extra would be sent to fighting soldiers. "Zoot Suits" were known for their oversized jackets, baggy pants, and large hats, commonly worn by these new Mexican-American workers. Wearing these Zoot Suits became known as being unpatriotic to the war effort and associated with gang members; causing tension, which finally boiled over into a riot following a murder near Los Angeles in 1942. Servicemen attacked the "Zoot-Suiters" in a series of incidents that lasted until June 1943 that brought to light the racial issues throughout Los Angeles at the time.
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