La Cosa Nostra Identification

Hey,

Ok this may be a stupid queston, but here goes.

Do members of LCN have anyway of dressing to tell that they were made men? (i.e. such as street gangs) Or did you just..know?

Alos, was there anythign to tell what family a guy was from. Signate rings, specific pendant, what?

Thanks in advance. Peace.


Don Ethereal

I think we had a similar question asked a while ago but in the form of tattoos being used, but they aren't apart from Yakuzas and other organised crime gangs. The thing with tattoos and other symbols like that isn't too clever as it proves you associate with other known criminals. The government could then use it against you to prove a conspirocy case that you're part of an organised crime group. The way wiseguys know who other wiseguys are, are by the way they're introduced. "This is a friend of ours"...etc. Even from another Family it could be used for. But they'll also never say which Family they're with. Usually they'll say who they work for, either Capo or Boss. "This is a friend of ours, he's with Paulie from Mulberry Street" ...etc.

Wiseguys, as tradition are supposed to look sharp. Look powerfull in there suits but there's no dress code really. As Saladbar once said to me, the allussion of power is power and it's pretty true. But dressing in such a way is a give away to law enforcment officials, some wiseguys prefer to dress down, to stay underground and low key. Sammy the Bull was known for this in contrast to John Gotti's dapper look. He did quite well for himself until Gotti ruined it all.

Absolutely right, Turi! Under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization) Act of 1970, a gang tattoo or other such symbol probably would provide sufficient proof to convict a gangster and send him away for double-digits.

A made guy cannot introduce himself to another made guy by saying he is a friend of ours.

The introduction has to be from a third party.

Mafia membership is supposed to be a secret unless you are a member yourself.

I have never heard of any idenitfing clothes, pins or marks worn to distinquish one family from another, they just know.

Ok, thanks. I just figured that is was just a "known" type of thing.

I get the whole suit being a sign of power thing. But...you said some of htem dress down. But (for the fear of sounding stupid), what do they wear? Is it jogging suits like oh so many people stereotype, or is it jeans and tee's like normal people?

Thanks again.


Don Ethereal

Yes, you're right Ethereal, they just wear the same stuff we'd where for more casual situations. Joggin suits, Jeans etc. If I didn't know these guys were actors I'd be convinced with these guys.....

Funny enough ... the one all the way on the right of the picture, with the tight black shirt on ... he looks and dresses just like my man Victor who owns a resturaunt here in New York called "Saviano's".

What about the supposed tell tale dimond pinky ring?

Worn on the right hand, you can see it on the guy in the middle(sorry I don't watch Sopranos" ^^ Picture^^