Mafia/Gansters

In the Great Gatsby mafia and gangsters played a huge part in the 1920s. There were all sorts of mafias in the 1920s do to prohibition and the depression. Many mafias or gangs were involved in bootlegging of alcohol and other drugs during this time. “In the public eye, the 1920s gangster and bootlegger "above the law" lifestyle brought money, fame, nice clothes, women, cars, and homes.”(1) Much like today’s society. Many people would dress or try to look like a gangster during parties or other events. The reason people liked the gangster look was because most members wore expansive nice suits and were also flashy, “Every famous gangster has a colorful name to go along with his fine suit. It's also been said that the gangster, as the American public sees him, is a creation of the mass media.”(1) Another reason this style was so in during the 1920s was because it was the time of the young and rebellion. Mafia and gang members were all about rebellion and were doing whatever they could that was illegal and could make money off. So during this time mafia and gangsters played a huge role in the writings of the Great Gatsby.

http://www.1920s-fashion-and-music.com/1920s-gangsters.html