The three above descriptions are all of gangsters, but at the same time are three completely different stereotypes. The original 1920’s gangster was described as how HE was (all of the stereotypes are of men) because at the time, drugs weren’t commonplace, tailored suits were the status symbol of the time, the Bentley was (and still is) a sign of power, Humphrey Bogart was traditionally in that style of gangster film, and Tommy Guns were the weapon of choice. And the setting for this gangster was Chicago, New York and other American cities. This is the stereotypical Al Capone gangster, the 1920’s man.
The British gangster, the “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” type gangster was again thought of, because of the social standing of the time, the mid 1990’s. “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” is a good example of the British Gangster. The Londoner, Cockney being a stereotyped person to be a gangster, probably brought about by Dave Courtney, the gangster himself immortalised (like Al Capone) for being a gangster. The stereotype is all in keep with the social changes of a bustling merchandised city, London. Sawn-off shotguns are seen as an effective weapon for their capacity to spread shot over a wide area (this is a relevant point I will soon get to) rather than aesthetic purpose. The suits are trendy enough to make the men look intimidating like a club doorman, but cool and collected like a businessman (which they are). The fast cars show that the men are wealthy, and the warehouses for “sorting people out” draw their illegal actions away from the attention of police and public alike, not liking their operations to be known.
And my final example of the gangster is the Black Gangster. Musicians who endorse the gangland in their music, and openly advertise their gangland status bring about the Black Gangster stereotype. Famously Cypress Hill (Rap musicians) sings about and endorses this behaviour to their fans. The segments of this stereotype are thought of for the attempt to again keep up with a culture that is testosterone driven, “respect” seeking, “my car/cock/gun is bigger than yours” culture that has dominated the youth of both Britain and the USA since 2001.
The drugs are stereotyped because the music which endorses the gangland also endorse drugs, the guns (following on the practical purposes used by the British and 1920’s Gangster) are purely for intimidation, aesthetics, and “respect,” all taking part in the “my gun is bigger than yours” culture. The knives are the traditionally thought of part of the stereotype because the guns are usually just for show, tucked into one’s trousers to flash at people, and the knives are what are commonly used to kill people with. Because the culture predicts that one is to be renowned to be respected, gang wars, gangs and posses are frequently thought of, because they are always seen in the media after people are killed in night clubs and in public view (unlike the more practical methods of using warehouses like the other two stereotypes). And finally the jewellery or “Bling Bling” as it is known, is again to show status and respect: “my sovereign ring is bigger and more expensive than yours” and the tracksuits and designer labels are not just a symbol of status “my clothes are more expensive than yours” but because they come in a variety of multi-colours (unlike the discreet tailored suits) that can be used to depict which gang one belongs to: “my posse is bigger, better and has bigger guns than yours.” Finally on the list of generic conventions of the stereotypes, is the body-kit car. The definition of a body-kit car is a car small car (Ford, Citroen, VW Golf), which was second hand, and very cheap to buy, when fitted with a fibreglass body to make it look like a sports car, a ridiculous stereo (usually costing no less than double the value of the original car), with very loud bass, tinted windows (to hide one’s identity) and usually seen illegal street-racing. All part of the testosterone culture of the Black gangland.
There are some lesser-known stereotypes for the gangster, such as the Chinese Yakuza, or Mexican, Russian or Italian mafia, however, these are the different sub-stereotypes brought about under the one stereotype of gangster.
Therefore, I believe that it is subjective whether or not a stereotype has changed, but whether or not the stereotypes have just spawned siblings over the decades and cultures.
