In Inventing the public enemy, David Ruth argues that the new age of American consumerism ushered in a societal fascination with the gangster. As new production methods were developed, consumerism became a staple of American culture in the 1920’s. As total consumption picked up, to distinguish themselves from competitors, firms had to introduce an element of style to their products to elevate them above competitor’s. Products now had a new importance, in the form perceptions about the owner that they conveyed.
With these new societal implications of possessions, people wanting to show off their glamor could now do so in an obvious, tangible manner. Among these people was the Gangster. Ruth points out that the most obvious aspect of a gangster’s glamor was “his attire”. Recurring symbols of consumption often worn by criminals featured expensive suits, jewels, and expensive cigarette lighters. Journalists of the time “routinely noted” the wealth of these gangsters as a testament to their criminal prowess. A New York times writer noted a gangster’s “new automobile, his tastefully furnished apartment, his diamond stickpin, his two diamond rings, his belt buckle ornamented with seventy-five brilliants, his fifty suits of clothes, his twenty-five pairs of shoes.”, showing the sheer vastness of the economic capital at the gangster’s disposal.
I find it interesting how brazen the gangsters were with their wealth, and they seemingly feared no repercussions from flaunting their wealth. However, it makes sense that the gangster would hide his fear of government intervention as part of his persona. Considering the scale of their criminal industries you’d assume they might be more careful regarding tax laws and obvious laundering. But I suppose the gangsters that were aware and privy to these ideas wouldn’t have been talked about, and wouldn’t have shown off their illicit dealings. It’s interesting comparing Gatsby to these gangsters, because he similarly flaunts his wealth, but it’s a lot less obvious to Nick as to what he is involved in.