Racial diversity among the Mafia
Mafia is defined as “a hierarchically structured secret organization allegedly engaged in smuggling, racketeering, trafficking in narcotics, and other criminal activities in the U.S., Italy, and elsewhere” often times referred to as Cosa Nostra. These secret organizations, originating in many parts of Sicily and southern Italy, are often seen to be predominantly comprised of Italian Americans and immigrants. My topic is to shed light on racial diversity among the mafia at the beginning of the 20th century and how it paved the way for other races to become involved. We start to see a connection among criminals from different racial backgrounds. I chose to look at two films that touch on race in relation to organized crime, Mobsters and Goodfellas.