Although much the presentation did in fact cover Charles “Lucky” Luciano, we did not intend to further the Italian Mafioso stereotype. The intention was mainly to demonstrate how such a syndicate was able to develop and the peaceful/non-criminal origins of the Italian Mafia.  We also wanted to demonstrate the significant contributions the Mafia had made to American society albeit they were indirect effects of their illegal bootlegging enterprise.  These contributions were countless, the most substantial and well known was the development of the speakeasies that had contributed to the rise of the flapper culture and availability of jazz music.  There were thousands of speakeasies opening up in Manhattan and in order to compete with each other many of them would hire live music, hence the jazz music.  It was also more appropriate for women to drink in the speakeasies than in the taverns that had existed before prohibition and this culture led to the development of the flapper and the loosening of previous social restrictions.  Although the stereotype held that Italian Americans were all associated with the mafia, the mafia (maybe not held by everyone) was often well respected by many well-to do citizens.  It may seem odd that such a large, violent and corrupt crime could draw respect, however, many people felt that Prohibition was a crime by the government committed against them, that it was a violation of their rights.  By providing the alcohol the Mafia was held in such a positive light, almost like Robin Hood figures.  These sentiments led to the glorification of the organization.  The leaders were romanticized and depicted in countless of movies, namely “The Godfather.” So although there was a stereotype against the Italian Americans, the mafia was still very well known and even revered.