The Enduring Presence of Organized Crime in the United States: From Las Vegas to New York

The 'mob' or organized crime is still very much present in the United States, particularly in cities like Las Vegas, although their impact and operations are much lower compared to the sensationalized portrayals in classic films. They have successfully integrated some of their business activities with legitimate operations to profit legally, and avoid the attention of law enforcement which was often sought after by the mob in the past.

In more recent times, organized crime groups, often associated with the Mafia, have seen a significant decline in their power and influence. However, they still wield considerable influence and operate in major metropolitan areas such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit.

The Decline of the Mafia: Due to Federal and Local Law Enforcement

Unlike the heyday of organized crime depicted in films such as Mean Streets and Goodfellas, the Five Families in New York City, which include the Bonanno, Colombo, Genovese, Gambino, and Lucchese families, are now shadows of their former selves. Despite their diminished power, these groups still operate as some of the most lucrative crime syndicates in the United States, and they remain major targets for the FBI.

Organized Crime in Las Vegas: A Low-Profile Operation

While organized crime remains a significant presence in many parts of the country, it's worth noting that their activities in Las Vegas are often less visible. Unlike their counterparts in the bustling metropolises of the Northeast, mobsters in Las Vegas have managed to blend in with the mainstream, leveraging legal opportunities in the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Classical Portrayals of the Mafia: An Accurate and Inaccurate Lens

Classic movies such as Mean Streets and Goodfellas offer fascinating insights into the lives of mobsters in the 1970s and beyond. Mean Streets, for instance, depicts the life of a struggling Italian man in Manhattan's Little Italy, trying to eke out a living by ripping off suburban kids. Though the film is grounded in reality, it does not shy away from the grittier details of mob life.

Goodfellas, on the other hand, is an excellent portrayal of the mafia from the 1950s through the 1980s. However, the film occasionally romanticizes the lifestyle of figures like Henry Hill, portrayed as a charming, albeit duplicitous, character. In reality, Henry Hill led a degenerate life, continually getting into trouble and even engaging in scenes with bizarre and public displays of depravity, such as filming a pornographic film and appearing on the Howard Stern Show in a deplorable state.

Current Scents and Operations of Organized Crime

While the rank and file of organized crime groups are engaged in a wide range of illegal activities, their operations in legitimate enterprises are expanding. This includes the use of legal gambling venues and prostitution operations, as seen in cities like Las Vegas where prostitution is legal and casinos are major tourist attractions.

Despite the fact that prostitution and gambling are legal in Las Vegas, the involvement of organized crime in these industries remains a persistent issue. Mega corporations may control the casinos, but they often find themselves entangled with criminal elements, drawing the attention of law enforcement.

Overall, the modern landscape of organized crime is a mix of shadows cast by the past and current operations that are more sophisticated and less overtly confrontational. Whether in the neon lights of Las Vegas or the concrete canyons of New York, organized crime continues to shape the social and economic fabric of the United States in subtle yet significant ways.