...Research Paper The definition of Mafia is "a group of people of similar interests or backgrounds prominent in a particular field or enterprise" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mafia). The Mafia began as "a secret criminal society of Sicily or Italy" and eventually there was a "similarly conceived criminal organization in the United States" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mafia). There is no denying that the face of organized crime has changed throughout history. In spite of these changes, ideas about family and loyalty have remained a relentless aspect of the culture of organized crime. By illustrating American derivations of the Italian Mafia, such as The Sopranos and The Godfather, we will explore the ways in which customary perspectives of the family have molded the Mafia and other criminal organizations. The Mafia evolved over hundreds of years in Sicily. In the mid-nineteenth century, Sicilians joined together in groups and began to rely on "family ties" to protect themselves, keep themselves safe, and carry out their own justice in a place where the Italian government was just recently trying to establish itself. In Sicily, the expression "mafioso," at first had no criminal implications and was utilized to refer to an individual who was suspicious of those in a position of power. Eventually the group turned into the brutal criminal organization referred to today as the Sicilian Mafia. (Ott 291-294) The American Mafia, or Cosa Nostra, which translates...
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...and 1992, 23 bosses from around the country were convicted under the law while between 1981 and 1988, 13 underbosses and 43 captains were convicted.[22] While this significantly crippled many Mafia families around the country, the most powerful families continued to dominate crime in their territories, even if the new laws put more mobsters in jail and made it harder to operate. With Sammy Gravano agreeing to cooperate with the FBI and turn state's evidence in 1991, he helped the FBI convict top Mafia leaders in New York. Although not the first Mafia member to testify against his peers, such a powerful mobster agreeing to do so set a precedent for waves of mobsters thereafter to break the code of silence to do the same; giving up information and testifying in exchange for immunity from prosecution for their crimes.[12][26] Aside from avoiding long prison stretches, the FBI could put mobsters in the United States Federal Witness Protection Program, changing their identities and supporting them financially for life. This led to dozens of mobsters testifying and providing information during the 1990s, which led to the imprisonment of hundreds of mobsters. As a result, the Mafia has seen a major decline in its power and influence in organized crime since the 1990s. In the 21st century, the Mafia has continued to be involved in a broad...
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...Europe. Our society is convinced that the so-called Mafia is a family of pure criminals, pimps, and murderers. Whatever the opinion, there is no doubt that the Mafia played a big part in the history of America and the way Americans view crime today. “The origins of the secret society known as the Mafia are believed to be as old as the 9th century” (Mafia History). During the 9th century, the Mafia’s main purpose was to strengthen themselves against enemies, which invaded their homeland in Sicily. It was supposed to create a strong feeling of togetherness between all Sicilians. “This idea of family was carried through in the structure of the organization, which had a strong hierarchical layout” (Mafia History). The Mafia is said by many to have perhaps the best system of power, than any other group or government known today. One can compare a physical representation of the family almost to a family tree dated all the way back through many generations. Certain people operated the system, but without the help of the people with the less power, the Mafia would be very weak. To put it another way, a leader cannot lead without followers, and the followers cannot follow without leaders. This is why the Mafia was hard to overcome. Although when many think of the location of the Mafia, Chicago and New York often come to mind, but actually the Mafia has been traced back through 26 major cites in America. Within every city were many Mafia families each with it’s own government. “At the...
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...History: The Five Families of the New York Mafia Since the1920’s the five Italian/Sicilian-American crime families which include the Colombo’s, the Genovese’s, the Bonanno’s, the Gambino’s, and the Lucchese’s have been dominating New York’s organized crime. Each family has their own unique story about how each family made its way to becoming one of the top Five Families in the mafia. We will be taking a journey and learning the history behind each crime family, from what part of New York they controlled to who controlled each family during that time period, and who currently runs the mafia present day. Before going into the histories of each of these families, below is a hierarchy chart of the organized crime. You will need this to understand how the families were structured, and names that were associated with their titles. Boss: Also known as the “Don”. Has total control over the entire family. Underboss: They are second in command of the family; they give orders usually that comes from the Boss. Consigliere: The family advisor, sometimes they’re professional attorneys. Capo: They are captains or lieutenants; they are in charge of the soldiers and associates. Soldiers: They are the ones that do all the dirty work; they take orders from the Capo’s, and sometimes the Underboss. Associates: Are soldiers who haven’t been a “made man” yet. ------------------------------------------------- The Colombo Crime Family The Colombo crime family was formerly...
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...comes to Italians media has played a huge role in the stereotyping and how it has changed so much in the last century. In this paper I will discuss how the perspectives of Italians started, how it has changes and what it is today. From my gathering the media from the beginning never portrayed Italians properly. In the beginning, Italians were supposed to be powerless, family-less materiel for nascent empire (Marche, S. 2010). The article mentioned a movie that I have never seen or even heard of and that could be because of my age. The movie "The Skyscrapers of New York," featured the misadventures of a brawling, thieving construction worker named Dago Pete (Marche, S. 2010). So in the beginning the Italians were not to be trusted and only liked to cause trouble. It was after this when the Italians decided that to be portrayed more properly they had to take control of the image that was put out for the rest of the people to see and this is when the “mafia” movies came about. I was raised watching the mafia movies I still enjoy them. However, I can see how media can make the stereotyping of a culture hard to understand. The mafia movies portrayed the Italian families as very powerful, even above the law, family centered, and very hot-blooded. I believe that the mafia movies not only caused an improper stereotyping of the Italian American, but also cause fear for those who lived amongst the Italian Americans. Although, most of the mafia movies were produced by Italians, I feel...
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...The Italian Mafia was a large part of the 1920s; it went against Prohibition, was the first major organized crime network, and showcased some of the most infamous gangsters in the U.S. Organized crime and the Italian Mafia is a symbolic part of the 1920s. Immigrants, often in poverty turned into criminals because it offered a way for them to improve their lives. The mob went against Prohibition to make a profit, which in turn helped immigrants rise above the poverty line. The Mafia turned into a complex crime organization that bloomed in the booming cities across the country. New York City, and Chicago were both major hubs for crime families. Immigrants, or children of immigrant families often bonded together for protection, or to make...
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...Sicilian Americans Lisa M. Kline ETH 125 December 4, 2011 ADRIENNE CRISTE Sicilian Americans The ethnic group I have always identified with more is my Sicilian/Italian side. Even though I am only a 1/4 Sicilian, I still feel like I belong to that side more. My grandmother on my dad’s side was full-blooded Sicilian and her parents were immigrants to the United States. The Sicilians have been in America for over 300 years. In the late 17th century, two brothers sailed to what is now New York and were in charge of the Onondaga fort. On the west coast, it is recorded that a Sicilian priest was in charge of converting he natives to Christianity. He was later killed by the natives in 1695. Immigration of the Sicilians was slow until the late 1880s. In 1906, over 100,000 Sicilians came to the United States in that year alone. Most Sicilian immigrants never planned to stay in the US permanently. There is even a special phrase that was coined for Sicilians: "Birds of Passage" since their intent was to be migratory laborers. Even though about 75% of Sicilian immigrants were farmers in Sicily, they did not wish to farm in the US (as it implied a permanence that did not figure in their plans). Instead, they headed for cities where labor was needed and wages were relatively high. Many Sicilian men left their wives and children behind because they expected to return (and many, many did). In any event, for many Sicilian immigrants, migration could not be interpreted as a rejection...
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...released in 1972. Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator named William Bulger or Billy. He is also a Boston famous figure. Whitey and John Connolly grew up together in Boston. After few years ago, they meet again. Meanwhile, Connolly was an FBI agent. Whereas Whitey become an Irish Mob godfather and they were secretly trading to take down the Italian mafia family in Boston. In addition, Whitey's brother was involved in this dirty deal. Which lead them to commit crimes such as, racketeering, murders, drug dealing, and other crimes that made them FBI's most wanted list (especially Whitey)....
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...1 Organized Crime Group: The Gambino Family Melissa Castle CJA/384 June 11, 2012 Bryan Kaminski Introduction The organized crime group Learning Team A chose to conduct research on was The Gambino Family. Their entire organization was based in New York City. This paper will reflect the Gambino's national and multinational structure and operating methods pertaining to the drug business. Also a comparison of the Gambino's from their past to present role in prohibition, drug syndicates, political corruption, and other illicit activities will be examined. Over time, the Gambino family had various business interests that made them even more notable in the Italian Mafia history. National and multinational structure and operating methods, pertaining to the drug business. The Gambino family’s drug business structure and operating methods stem from very strong ties in the Sicilian Drug trade (Critchley, 2008). Until 1914, there were no real laws or boundaries against the drug industry in the United States of America (Critchley, 2008). The Boylan anti-drug Law, passed by the New York state legislature on March 28, 1914, was the first regulatory limitations seen against drugs. This law was not truly enforced until the 1920s, with legitimate businesses continuing to serve recreational drugs to addicts. This drug law was instituted because of the overwhelming numbers of innocent drug slaves, according to Charles B. Towns, the attorney who...
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...John Joseph Gotti, whom would be later nicknamed “Teflon Don” and “Dapper Don,” was born on October 27, 1940 in the Bronx, New York. Who would have thought on that cold and blustery day that the baby boy, son of a construction worker and one of six boys, would someday be considered by both the Mafia and prosecutors alike, to be the most important “godfather” in American crime through the 1990s? The “boss of bosses” so to speak. John Gotti’s parents were both poor Italian immigrants, whose only income was from his father’s laborious and unpredictable position as a construction worker. They had 13 children, of which John was the fifth. The whole family moved often and finally settled in East New York. At that time (late 40s) East New York was known for its youth gang activity. The area supported thriving Mafia activities and was a breeding ground for Mob hit squads. It was also the former stomping grounds of gangster’s such as Bugsy Siegell. At about age 12, Gotti became an errand boy for a sketchy neighborhood club ran by Carmina Fatico, who was a captain in the Gambino family. The Gambino family was the biggest of the five Mafia families in New York City. During Gotti’s activities running errands for the club, he met his life-long mentor, Aniello Dellacroce. At this same time he joined a gang called the Fulton-Rockaway Boys. This youth gang was infamous for their carjacking’s and robberies. Once, when Gotti, age 14, was trying to steal a cement mixer for the gang, his toes...
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...somehow. Accordingly, while talking to Sophia earlier this week, the setting of the mob came to mind for my new interpretation of Antigone. Let your mind imagine that it is the year of 1925, and the mob is in full swing on the streets of New York City. This setting works in the fact that it is a family business, and death and scandals are common. Creon is a huge name for the mafia, notoriously known around many cities in the US. Order is mainly kept under control by Creon’s demands, however on one rainy night, Eteocles and Polynices get into a fatal argument over advancement in the family business. Being the new king of the mafia with may men below him, Creon is respected, but mainly feared. The fear of Creon would add another layer of emotion the audience could feel watching the play, as they witness his crazy amount of power in which he exerts. Family is a centralized concept for Italians and this is shown in Antigone’s determined fight to bury her brother, Polynices. In this show, the audience would more then likely have a strong sense of support for Antigone, being that she is simply a girl that is willing to stand up against something as strong as the mafia, out of the love she has for her brother. Costumes would be sophisticated, dark colored suits to match the New York City mafia feel. Pinstripe suits and vest shirts would be worn by the high ranked mafia men with fedora hats on at all times. Antigone and Ismene would be wearing very expensive clothing and there...
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...in life may find himself working the mafia due to peer pressure, to succeed the father or repay favors owed. This was a common phenomenon amongst the Italian youth in the 20th century. I also pick the relationship between a loving father and son. Typically, a father would expect a lot from any of his sons but more from the intelligent and calm one. In the Italian experience, one can see that there exist expectations between parents and children. Most of the time, the parents want to influence the path that their children take, who they interact with and what they end up doing. This is shown in the scene where Vito tells Michael that he is apologetic for bringing the latter into the family business since he had expectations of Michael to be...
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...Organized Crime Group Analysis Organized Crime Group Analysis In the past and still today the word of crime on occasion is greater than law enforcement, politicians, and governmental officials. These major players of these organized crimes could run a city however they choose to through criminal activity and manipulation. In the 1800s a secret society formed to unite Sicilian natives against invasion by France and Arabs. Fleeing from the hills of Italy to avoid attack Italians called the “Mafia” migrated to the United States in the 1920s. The Mafia’s migration to New York City and other large cities in America to continue criminal activities were seen in the early 1920s. In one particular group called the La Cosa Nostra, LCN, mob, or the Mafia inhabited New York City’s metropolitan area. The LCN consist of a collection of Italian-American families of organized crime (Finckenauer, 2007). The La Cosa Nostra entails five families with its main headquarters in Italy. With each family’s organization resembling the structure of a hierarchy. Its hierarchical structure of organization provides protection along with its social structure protected by corrupt politicians and governmental officials. “For nearly three quarters of a century, beginning during the time of Prohibition and extending into the 1990s, the LCN was clearly the most prominent criminal organization in the United States” (Finckenauer, 2007....
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...country. Tourism is one of the fastest growing and profitable sectors of the national economy. Italian climate is very different. It is comfortable to travel to this country in every season. If it is summer you can relax in a seaside resorts or take a rest near different lakes. Also in summer you can mountaineer. In winter it is possible to skiing. In autumn and spring you have an opportunity to visit the famous cities of the world cultural heritage. Cultural heritage is another strength side of Italy. Italian culture has a rich history that includes art, classic architecture, popular traditions, and customs. Includes links to trends in Italy today as well as resources on folklore, history, and artistic traditions. Italy has many environmental problems and it took a long time to confront these. One of strengths in this sphere is that now Italy is one of the world leaders of producing renewable energy. Italy is a member of European Union (EU), of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and also of many international organizations, for example United Nations and so on. It is a great supporter of multilateral international politics, endorsing the United Nations and its international security activities. It means that Italy is involved in international activities, moreover, is very interested in them. It is a positive side of the country. Italian fashion is very famous all over the world. The Made in Italy is...
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...structure and operating methods, pertaining to the drug business and other illegal activities The Lucchese family was the smallest organized crime family of the five in New York City. The structure of the Lucchese family was operated on a strict hierarchical structure. The members consist of members that are headed up by three high positions. These position are headed up by the capo regime (captain) and the captain leads a crew of soldiers and associates. When the captain makes a decision it is pass down to other through the chain of command. This is done so the lower level members are arrested or under investigation it keeps the law from getting to the higher levels in command. The boss is the head of the family. The boss is voted by the captain of the family. The underboss is appointed by the boss and is second in command. The underboss runs the day-to-day operations. The consigliere is the boss's right hand man. He is the person who mediates disputes and aides in meetings with other families. The capo regime is the person in charge of a crew usually 10-20 guys. If there is a task to be done the capo regime make sure it get done. A soldier is a member of the family or have to be at least half Italian descent on father's side. They are the main workers of the family. An associate is not a member of mafia, but do some errands for the family. This is the person who can start out and prove to the family that they can become loyal soldiers. Some associate may gain extreme power...
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