The stereotype based on some history is they are ruthless, they are within the context of what they consider business. However their neighborhoods are safe, women can walk the streets at night etc. Money to the church and to help people. They love the title men of honor.
Your term multiple personality might fit.
“However their neighborhoods are safe, women can walk the streets at night etc. Money to the church and to help people.”
Definitely correct. Little Italy in NY comes to mind.
They were scumbags. Just look at how the mobsters who infected the music industry treated their own songwriters and artists. Didn’t pay them, stole their rights, murdered them...
They had their own code, which they broke when it was convenient or necessary for business or personal honor.
They all mostly did the good citizen thing, they loved being respected.
And for us country bumpkins they had the COOLEST nicknames.
The Chin, Action Jackson, Bayonne Joe, Benny Eggs, Frankie Hot Dogs, Frankie the Wop.
Those names were classic.