Who knew that wearing a flashy outfit could completely change your cultural identity? Zoot Suit is a play written by Luis Valdez that illustrates the trial of the 1942 Sleepy Lagoon case in which the courts charged a group of "Pachucos" with the murder of Jose Diaz (Mexican American). It takes Zoot Suit is a political work designed to showcase the Chicano struggle. The Zoot Suit was the Mexican-American way of trying to "fit in" to American culture, but perhaps they got ahead of themselves because they didn't fit in well with Americans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay During this time, many Mexican-Americans suffered from widespread discrimination, as illustrated in Zoot Suit. The "Zoot Suiters" have felt powerless due to their position in American society and attempt to use their fashion to send their message and also as a way to regain their masculinity. The Pachuco group was accused of the murder not on the basis of any evidence but because of their ethnic identity. However, this ethnic identity of wearing the Zoot suit had a character who was the main Pachuco and served as Henry's (alleged murderer) alter ego. El Pachuco undoubtedly has one of the most impactful roles in this musical due to his interjections within the show that provide clarity for most 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. The fact that El Pachuco is the one who addresses the relationship ultimately brings up the issues of discrimination, prejudice, etc. featured in 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 places a stereotype on them, rather than allowing each of them their own unique identity. Time and again Mexican Americans were unfairly persecuted during the riots, from when sailors began street fights and claimed that "pachucos" had killed Diaz to the end in the courtroom where they were treated guilty until proven innocent. The musical dates back to a historical event for Mexican Americans and should not be limited to that singular minority as it should be about all minorities in the United States. This musical mitigates the prejudice and misrepresentation of the Zoot Suiters of the time and can now be used as an educational tool. The lessons in this musical can be applied to any minority group. This not only provides insight into past discrimination for those who were unable to witness it, but also illustrates how influential counterculture can be as it can change an entire society..