• Psychodelic@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    Every American should learn about the so called zoot suit “riots”

    White American sailors got in a fight with Mexican Americans. It’s unclear what started it but the following actions of American sailors provides good context. After the initial fight, sailors started to randomly target Mexican-Americans and jumping them. Of course, there was retaliation and it got really crazy - I won’t spoil it for anyone interested.

    The reason I mention it is because it’s fascinating to see how media organizations like the LA Times covered it. They unanimously blamed “gangs” of Mexicans and didn’t blame demonstrably racist American sailors whatsoever - they were obviously brave patriots, and not you know fuckin fascists

    • Varyk@sh.itjust.works
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      6 days ago

      I actually read about these because of the cherry poppin daddies song.

      and I agree, you make a great point.