How to Join a Mafia Family as an Outsider: The Truth Behind the Myths

Introduction to the Mafia's Rise in North America

The real reason why the Mafia flourished in North America during the early 20th century was largely due to timing. The Great Depression and the era of prohibition provided a fertile ground for a predominantly Italian immigrant community to thrive. This community was often targeted by bigotry, which helped to solidify their loyalty and the support of a strong and reliable network of men working under the Mafia.

The Solemn Rules and Recruitment Practices

For a group often thought to embrace chaos, the Mafia was deeply regulated. Initially, they targeted only men with extensive families in Italy, promising to execute their relatives if they ever betrayed the Mafia hierarchy. This stratagem reinforced their loyalty by creating a bond that was far from fictional.

Historical Context: Goodfellas and the Omerta Code

A notable exception to their strict rules appears in the movie "Goodfellas," where a half-Irish/half-Italian man's journey within the Mafia highlights the potential risks of betrayal. Another significant change came with the implementation of the 'Omerta' code, a code of silence never to speak against the Mafia. However, high-ranking members who turned state's evidence have broken this code, leading to the conviction of many.

Changes in Recent Years

The rules governing membership in the Mafia have softened over the years. It was once required to be 100 percent Italian, but now, having at least one parent of Italian descent is sufficient to qualify.

Integrating into the Mafia is not as straightforward as simply asking to join. Unlike other illegal organizations, you cannot apply; instead, you must work your way up through the ranks.

Steps to Joining a Mafia Family

Step 1: Enter the Fringe - Start by working for them. Begin humbly as a driver or bodyguard, volunteering to start the mobsters' cars every morning. Experience and trust are the currency in the Mafia world.

Step 2: Win Their Respect - Live in a poor neighborhood, hate studying, and befriend others from a similar background. Being a sociopath can be an advantage. It indicates a lack of remorse and a calculated approach to handling tasks.

Step 3: Prove Your Loyalty - As you earn their trust, they may eventually call you a friend and allow you to become an associate member. Demonstrating unwavering loyalty and reliability is key, often taking years to achieve.

Step 4: Progress to Full Membership - Finally, with enough time and proven loyalty, you may be promoted to full membership. However, don’t expect this journey to be easy or short-lived; it requires patience, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the cause.

Conclusion and Reflection

The process of joining the Mafia as an outsider involves more than mere application or legal prerequisites. It demands a deep understanding of the cultural and societal factors that have shaped the organization's behavior and the willingness to adhere to its unwavering rules and traditions. While the idea of joining such an illegal and dangerous organization might seem appealing to some, the road to membership is fraught with danger and the cost of failure can be life-threatening.

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