http://www.radio4all.net/program/52472Podcast for Program: Zoot Suit RiotsTue, 14 Jun 2011 20:49:18 +0000240http://www.radio4all.net/program/52472When is a suit not just a suit? When it’s a Zoot suit—and it leads to a riot. The year is 1943 and the US is just beginning rationing for the war effort in Europe and Asia. It’s also the tail end of the great depression which has driven many mid westerners from the dust bowl states to California, LA in particular along with many minorities all looking for work. In addition, thousands of Mexican refugees are fleeing the Mexican Revolution making their way to Los Angelos At the same time, Jazz is all the rage, a musical, cultural, and even ideological expression that according to PBS is “far removed from the Hit Parade music commonly played on mainstream radio. Jazz music and dance were sensual, expressive, joyous, and raucous. Jazz musicians openly defied segregation by mixing on and off the stage. The zoot suit, was made for the times. With broad shoulders, narrow waist, and ballooned pants. Loud and bold. Zoot-suited young men held themselves upright and walked with a confident swagger that seemed to flow from the very fashion itself.” Hidden HistoriesTue, 14 Jun 2011 20:49:18 +0000