Are Pachucos the same as Zoot Suiters?

Question

Because I find a bunch of stuff on Pachucos online but nothing on the Zoot suiters. This is for history project for 8th grade.

Answer 1

A "pachuco" was a Mexican American that embraced the Zoot suit lifestyle, which was originally used by African Americans  

Answer 2

California Pachucos were more "hoodlum" or "gangsta" by today's standards than Zoot suiters.  They were mostly from LA and San Francisco areas in the '50's.  Never heard about the Mexican-American relationship with Zoot suiters primarily both black and white and their link was appreciation for Jazz music and not connected with the criminal behavior of the Pachucos whom I would  compare with modern rap/hip-hop lifestyles than Zooters, although a separate but specific music category was embraced by both.  Jazz to my knowledge is true art form and part of mainstream America even while rap/hip-hop is thought of as limited to the violent crime people.  Zoot Suiters might be found around the '30's around the time of the crash or prohibition and possibly Mexican immigrants (legal before all this undocumented controversy broke out).  Remember old-time Mexican-American families established roots in California as immigrants and the next generation kids did become "Americanized" and got into the California gang culture in the '50's like they have been doing currently as illegals.  They want to fit in to their new country so have accepted lesser moral stances than those taught by their families.  Being uprooted from one's traditions and being considered criminal does force them to hide from the possibilities of friendship with their more legit Mex-Am "la Raza" tie-ins.  New to America Mexiteens are going to opt for fitting in with the rap/hip-hop genre because that's what their peers (black and white) listen to and it is unfortunate because it alienates them from mainstream legals as well as family members whom could really help them adjust.  You may recall the "Cholos" of the late '70's-'80's whom wore the white shirts and black jeans, drove the low-riders and listened to Mexican Music stations as well as exhibited some Pachuco-like gangster styles; don't hear much about "Cholos" anymore as they have been over-ridden by sheer numbers among the CRAPpers.