Zoot suit riots Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Zoot suit riots - Essay Example Zoot suit riots This was due to the fact that the Mexican immigrants were perceived as a direct threat to the lives of Americans, since they were often implicated in matters concerning crime and gang violence. Despite the wrongfulness of the American stereotype of the local Hispanic population, the fact that they were present in the United States and that they had made a life for themselves in their adopted country against all odds that were set against them put local public opinion in opposition to them. The fact that members of the American navy, many of whom had never set foot in Los Angeles, chose to attack members of the Hispanic population in the city, with wide public support is among some of the worst racist incidents to happen in the United States. It is possible that the feeling of losing control had become almost unbearable for the white population because of the growing confidence of Mexican Americans in their new environment. The Mexican Americans had come to the United States with barely anything to their names but by the 1940s, they were becoming an increasingly prosperous people, since they took advantage of almost every opportunity that came their way to make it in their adopted country. For quite a large number of them, their coming to America and starting their lives anew, away from the poverty prevalent in their home country was indeed the achievement of the American dream. The growing prosperity and presence of Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, as well as in other parts of the United States may have been behind the motivation of the American servicemen to attack these people in what became known as the zoot suit riots.

21 days Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

21 days - Essay Example What to do? Today started well after two of my assignments received maximum points. However, my mentor put a dampener on my spirits by telling me I was falling behind my schoolwork. At times, I think I do not need a mentor, but she helped me a lot last semester. I also reconnected with an old friend Chris on Facebook, which was fun. Today I feel in need of inspiration, and I decide not to visit my mentor for two weeks. I attend a poetry club meeting, which was impressive, and it went some way in inspiring me. I also registered as a member of the drama club as I feel I need something to inspire me at school. Finally, Chris wanted financial help, and I feel I can trust him. Today my friends and I went bowling, and I did well. I bowled a 150, 166, and 160. However, I was still feeling downcast, especially during class. Another of my assignments came back with a C. I revised it and resubmitted it in the hope of getting a better score. I attended my first drama club meeting and felt lost, as there was such camaraderie among the other members. I forgot to write another assignment last night and had to do it in class today. After handing it in, I tried to write some poetry in class to lighten my spirits. On my way from class, I came across some lottery tickets, which had a jackpot of 140 million. Although, I purchased three tickets, I did not win, and neither did anyone else at that time so, I did not feel too downhearted. My mentor called me today and asked me to see her, which I did. I was not aware I was supposed to see her once every two days. I also lent my friend some $300, which I pray is not a mistake as he sounded desperate. The poetry is not improving my spirits, and I decided to try the drama club instead. Today, I managed to make two friends there and got to know how they interact. It was fun. Today was a very busy day with a surprise CAT test. One of my classmates was caught copying my work and