I like to think that the 1920s gangster of U.S were like the Mexican cartels of present now. The massive corruption of law enforcement and government institutions in the U.S were similar to those of present day Mexico. I also like to think that the gun battles or shootouts between sicarios and law enforcement was similar to prohibition gangsters. I know very little of 1920s LCN but from movies and documentaries I form this opinion. Let me know what you think.

Yes, they were extremely violent back then. Bombings and shootings were very common in the 20's even in the 1930's. Dead bodies on the roadside.

But remember that the bulk of Italians and Jews were NOT accepted in society during that time period. The only way to get themselves out of the gutter was to work together to become bootleggers or under them (and also push drugs). It was the perfect opportunity for them. Before prohibition most were petty thieves and thugs. They were starving in every sense of the word. Now they could become a part of something and cash in. And it was remarkable how some of these hoods with little or no schooling were able to do the politicking needed to grease the right people. Quite an accomplishment, making more money than they could have ever possibly dreamed of making.

Today there are more opportunities, even for Mexicans. So, getting involved with the cartels is something you go out of your way to become a part of. Just like if you're an Italian-American, not born into organized crime, there is absolutely no reason to get involved. You have to want that type of lifestyle.

You seem much too taken in by how violent these criminals are. Like you're foaming at the mouth with excitement. These people do terrible things. Sorry to be so blunt but you really need to take a step back and look at all the horrible things these people do.

well said a.g. well said !

If italians were forced into crime, how do you explain the rampant corruption and crime in Southern Italy?

Fairytales...

By definition, a "cartel" is a formal or informal agreement among big players to divvy up the market in order to maintain high prices and suppress competition. The booze gangs of the Twenties ruthlessly competed with each other for territories and outlets. And, while they were very violent, they did not engage in wholesale slaughters of civilians, armed forces or law enforcement as do the Mexican cartels.

Keep in mind that most of the booze trade during Prohibition was dominated by Jewish, not Italian, gangs. Chicago was an exception,but Capone's Outfit never totally controlled the booze trade. His was not a Mafia family, and included many non-Italians in high places.

Yeah, I found AG's take to be a little biased, too. Can't have it both ways.

Most Italian immigrants led modest lives, and most of the gangsters could have too, had they chose to.

Although I don't see it in total black and white, no matter the ethnic background.

Just because someone takes on a life of crime doesn't mean they're doing it for the glamour, for "our thing", "omerta", "la onda", "being an outlaw", "anti-establishment", the "thug life", what have you. I believe there are other reasons as well. People are simple creatures with basic needs. There are a lot of roads that lead to a life of crime, for all ethnic groups, Mexican, Italian, or otherwise.