In the year 2000, artist Vincent Valdez painted “Kill the Pachuco Bastard!” dramatizing some of the events of the Zoot Suit Riots in 1943.
What do you see happening in the details in this painting?
What clues can you see that give evidence for the historical context of the Zoot Suit Riots? Why did these riots take place?
Last spring, we had the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. And America’s streets were on fire. Protests were everywhere.
How might we compare the events surrounding the Zoot Suit Riots with these recent examples of racism, riots, and activism taking place across the United States? You can consider other current events reflecting racial tension and/or struggles for social justice.
