Who knew that wearing a flashy suit was capable of completely changing a person's cultural identity? Zoot Suit is a play written by Luis Valdez that demonstrates the trial of the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon Affair in which the courts charged a group of "Pachucos" with the murder of José Diaz (Mexican American). Zoot Suit is a political play designed to show the Chicano struggle. The Zoot suit was the Mexican-American way of trying to "fit in" into American culture, but they may have outdone themselves because they didn't adapt well to Americans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay During this time, many Mexican Americans suffered widespread discrimination, as illustrated in Zoot Suit. The “Zoot Suiters” felt powerless over their position in American society and attempted to use their fashion to get their message across and also as a way to reclaim their masculinity. Pachuco's group was accused of the murder not because of any evidence but because of their ethnic identity. However, this ethnic identity of wearing the Zoot costume had a character who was the main Pachuco and served as the alter ego of Henry (the suspected murderer). El Pachuco arguably has one of the most impactful roles in this musical due to his interjections in the play that clarify many of the issues that occur. Some of these interjections include his final confrontation with the reporter at the end of the musical as he points out the injustices that Mexican Americans have had to endure. El Pachuco being the one who confronts the report at the end puts the issues of discrimination, prejudice, etc. into the spotlight. at the forefront of the musical. Likewise, El Pachuco intervenes once again when the judge orders them to stand when their name is called in the courtroom. This groups the Zoot Suiters together and imposes a stereotype on them, rather than allowing each of them their own unique identity. Time and time again, Mexican Americans were unfairly harassed throughout the riots, from the time the sailors initiated the street fights and claimed that the "pachuco" had murdered Diaz until the very end in the courtroom where they were found guilty until proven guilty. The musical dates back to a historic event for Mexican Americans. It should not be limited to this singular minority, but it should concern all minorities in the United States. This musical alleviates the prejudices and misrepresentations of the Zoot Suiters of the era and can now be used as an educational tool. The lesson of this musical can be applied to any minority group. Not only does this provide insight into past discrimination to those who were unable to witness it, but it also illustrates how influential counterculture can be in that it can change an entire society..