Today we break down the 1990 book The Westies, written by TJ English. The Westies are a gang of mostly Irish hoodlums from the Hell’s Kitchen area of Manhattan, who controlled the west side docks during the late 70’s and 80s. In this episode we will look at the historic connection between the west side docks of Manhattan and Irish organized crime. We will also discuss why ethnic gangs like the Irish Mob or the Italian Mafia band together and use crime as a way to rise up the social ladder, and why these gangs fall apart after that social status is achieved.

Welcome to Movies By McManus, a new YouTube channel and Podcast discussing movies, TV, books, comics, and all types of media in the context of who created it and what effect it's trying to have on the world. Short video breakdowns hosted by Greg McManus and accompanying long form podcasts hosted by Greg and his brother Michael McManus will be released every week.

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