The Concrete Brotherhood: A Cultural History of the Mafia in America

'The Concrete Brotherhood'

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	511 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	12 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Mafia is one of the most fascinating and enduring criminal organizations in the world. For over a century, it has operated in the shadows, exerting its influence over everything from gambling to prostitution to drug trafficking. But who are the men who make up the Mafia? And how have they managed to maintain their power for so long?

In his book The Concrete Brotherhood, Thomas Reppetto provides a comprehensive history of the Mafia in America, from its origins in Sicily to its modern-day operations. The book delves into the inner workings of the Mafia, its rituals, its code of honor, and its criminal activities. It also examines the Mafia's impact on American society, from its role in organized crime to its influence on popular culture.

The Origins of the Mafia

The Mafia originated in Sicily in the 19th century. At the time, Sicily was a poor and lawless land, and the Mafia emerged as a way for people to protect themselves from criminals and corrupt officials. The Mafia provided a sense of order and justice in a society that was often chaotic and violent.

The Mafia quickly spread from Sicily to other parts of Italy, and by the early 20th century, it had established itself in the United States. The Mafia's first foothold in America was in New Orleans, but it soon spread to other major cities, such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

The Structure of the Mafia

The Mafia is a highly structured organization, with a clear hierarchy and a code of conduct. The basic unit of the Mafia is the family, which is led by a boss. The boss is responsible for all aspects of the family's operations, including its criminal activities.

Families are grouped into clans, which are led by a capo di tutti capi, or "boss of all bosses." The capo di tutti capi is the supreme leader of the Mafia, and he has the authority to resolve disputes between families and to make decisions that affect the entire organization.

The Mafia's Code of Honor

The Mafia has a strict code of honor, which is known as the omertà. The omertà is a code of silence and loyalty, and it forbids members of the Mafia from cooperating with law enforcement. The omertà is one of the reasons why the Mafia has been able to remain so secretive and successful for so long.

The omertà also includes a code of conduct that governs the behavior of members of the Mafia. For example, members of the Mafia are expected to be respectful of their superiors, to be honest with each other, and to avoid violence whenever possible.

The Mafia's Criminal Activities

The Mafia is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including:

• Drug trafficking
• Gambling
• Prostitution
• Extortion
• Loan sharking
• Murder

The Mafia's criminal activities are a major source of income for the organization. The Mafia uses its profits to fund its operations, to bribe politicians and law enforcement officials, and to invest in legitimate businesses.

The Mafia's Impact on American Society

The Mafia has had a significant impact on American society. The Mafia's criminal activities have contributed to the rise of organized crime in the United States. The Mafia has also been involved in a number of high-profile crimes, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

In addition to its criminal activities, the Mafia has also had a cultural impact on American society. The Mafia has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and television shows. The Mafia has also been romanticized by some people, who see it as a symbol of strength and power.

The Mafia is a complex and fascinating organization. It has a long history, a strict code of honor, and a wide range of criminal activities. The Mafia has had a significant impact on American society, both positive and negative.

Thomas Reppetto's book The Concrete Brotherhood is a comprehensive history of the Mafia in America. The book provides a detailed look at the organization's origins, structure, code of conduct, and criminal activities. The book also examines the Mafia's impact on American society.

The Concrete Brotherhood is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the Mafia. The book is well-researched, well-written, and highly informative. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in organized crime, American history, or Italian-American culture.

'The Concrete Brotherhood'

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	511 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	12 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE