“A General Separation of Colored and White”

Abstract

This article uses archival research to explore important differences in the discursive and institutional positioning of Mexican American and African American men during World War II. Through the focal point of the riots that erupted in Los Angeles and other major cities in the summer of 1943, I examine the ways in which black and Mexican “rioters” were imagined in official and popular discourses. Though both groups of youth were often constructed as deviant and subversive, there were also divergences in the ways in which their supposed racial difference was discursively configured. I also consider the experiences of each group in the World War II military, a subject that has received little attention in previous work on the riots. Though both groups were subject to discrimination and brutality on the home front, only African Americans were segregated in the military—a fact that profoundly influenced the 1943 riots. Examining the very different conditions under which these men served, as well as the distinct ways in which their presence within the military and on the home front was interpreted and given meaning by press, law enforcement, and military officials, helps to illuminate the uneven and complex workings of racism in America, disrupting the common conceptualization of a definitive white/nonwhite color line.

Analyzing the Military’s Role in Producing Air Toxics Disparities in the United States: A Critical Environmental Justice Approach

“…Military and environmental sociologists highlight the influential role the military plays in community economic development, how this draws military facilities into locales, and the environmental harms associated with this phenomenon Downey 2015;Hooks and Smith 2004;Lutz 2001). Others have drawn attention to the military's racial history, from historical segregation to contemporary racial disparities across the hierarchy of rank Aragon 2015;Council on Foreign Relations 2020). Recent innovations in CEJ studies provide an opportunity to draw these research fields together with an enhanced focus on state production of environmental inequalities, especially for poor neighborhoods and communities of color (Pellow 2017;Pulido 2016).…”

“…Moreover, the history of race and racism within the armed forces suggests that certain communities may face greater exposure to environmental harms. The U.S. armed services were racially segregated from the Revolutionary War until 1948, with full integration achieved during the 1950s (Aragon 2015;Bielakowski 2013). During World War II, the military enforced segregated facilities and enlisted most Black soldiers as laborers (Aragon 2015).…”

“…The U.S. armed services were racially segregated from the Revolutionary War until 1948, with full integration achieved during the 1950s (Aragon 2015;Bielakowski 2013). During World War II, the military enforced segregated facilities and enlisted most Black soldiers as laborers (Aragon 2015). Meanwhile, Mexican-Americans, who were classified as white, participated more in combat units and received commendations for their service (Aragon 2015).…”

“…During World War II, the military enforced segregated facilities and enlisted most Black soldiers as laborers (Aragon 2015). Meanwhile, Mexican-Americans, who were classified as white, participated more in combat units and received commendations for their service (Aragon 2015). Research focused on Indigenous and Asian military personnel is comparatively scarce; however, it is noted that nearly a third of Indigenous men served in World War II (Bernstein 1991).…”

Military as an Institution and Militarization as a Process: Theorizing the U.S. Military and Environmental Justice

“…since these opportunities were scarce in the civilian labor force. 37 In response, Black veterans were often met with racial intimidation and violence upon return. 38 Segregation in the armed forces perpetuated until 1948, with ''a general separation'' between white and nonwhite service members in general and Black and white service members in particular.…”