We know all about the men involved in various gangs around the world, but what happens when those men are caught and sent to prison? How do they all communicate with each other in different prison networks? We have a sneak peek of United Gangs of America that share all.
In United Gangs of America season 2, episode 7 explores the Aryan Brotherhood, a Texas-based neo-Nazi white supremacist gang that formed in the prison system in the 1960s. It grew considerably over the next couple of decades, and it remains active today. While most of the men are behind bars, they manage to communicate thanks to the Aryan Sisters.
You will not want to miss the new episode tonight, Tuesday, July 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. But find out a little more about it with our exclusive quotes and clip.
United Gangs of America exposes the hidden network that links the prisoners
In our exclusive clip for United Gangs of America season 2, episode 7, we get a look at the hidden network that links the prisoners. Those investigating know that people within the prison system can’t talk to other prisoners in other penitentiaries. So, it means finding people on the outside to do their dirty work.
That means turning to the women that they are with. These women are known as “featherwoods” and they’re associated with the “peckerwood” subculture. More and more often, the girlfriends or wives are not official members of the gangs, but they are connected to the gang members, and they’re not allowed to leave.
Lisa Taylor-Austin, gang counselor/expert featured in tonight’s episode explains the term “featherwood” in more detail:
“The term "featherwood" refers to women associated with the "peckerwood" subculture, which is linked to racist prison gangs like the AB. While featherwoods can be members of these gangs, they are more often associates, often serving as girlfriends or wives of gang members. The term "featherwood" derives from the related term "peckerwood," a word that evolved from an old racial epithet directed at whites to a term used to refer to people associated with the racist prison gang subculture. A featherwood is the female equivalent of a (male) peckerwood. The term featherwood is most commonly used in California and Texas. The most common featherwood symbol is simply the word "featherwood" itself, often used in conjunction with a feather. Sometimes a feather by itself is also used as a symbol.”
Take a look at the sneak peek to see how the Aryan Sisters are used to help the Aryan Brotherhood:
If it wasn’t for the women, the men in the gangs wouldn’t have as much power in the outside world. Even the authorities understand that, and we can see in the sneak peek that the authorities know that the are at a disadvantage when it comes to the women working with these gangs. However, they’re not official gang members, as Taylor-Austin continues to explain to us:
“Females are not usually allowed to become formal gang members, but they do perform specific roles for the Aryan Brotherhood gang. This ranges from helping create and maintain group bonds/culture to participating in criminal activities. It is common for Featherwoods to have to perform sexual acts directed by the Aryan Brother (AB) male gang member. Featherwoods also are required and usually obey the directive to run drugs, set rivals up for violence, run prostitution rings and counterfeit operations. Featherwoods help inmates communicate with each other, publish and distribute materials and engage in criminal activities such as smuggling contraband into prisons. Without the roles played by women, Aryan Brotherhood gang members would find it much more difficult to operate. Featherwoods can be very violent themselves as well.”
Why can’t the Aryan Sisters just leave their men?
The idea of leaving an abusive relationship comes up time and time again. These women know that they are being used and abused, but they also know that there is no way out. After all, the men have people on the outside to do some of their dirty work. There are gang members outside of the prison system, and if the women try to leave, they will be harmed.
Taylor-Austin also shared with us exclusively that:
“Featherwoods are often used by male gang members for sexual, criminal, financial, and any ancillary activities the male would like. This includes putting his needs and priorities over her own, at all times. Over the years, the woman begins to lose her sense of self. She recognizes she is being used and exploited but is ensnared in the relationship/role she has with the gang. Leaving means looking over your shoulder for retaliation which includes gruesome death and dismemberment. Featherwoods often have trauma histories in their childhood which becomes exacerbating while being abused and traumatized as part of the gang. Post traumatic stress disorder is often experienced without any mental health care.”
Sometimes, the women are the ones arrested and forced to serve prison time. They do this to protect the men they are romantically involved with, and they can end up serving life in prison for the crimes of their men.
There are some firsts that will be included in the episode, including an interview with a former female associate of the Aryan Brotherhood and an audio of the women conspiring with the gang.
Learn more about the hidden network in United Gangs of America on Tuesday, July 15 at 9/8c on Vice TV.
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