Understanding the Concept of Being 'Made' in the Mafia
The term to be made in the context of the Mafia signifies a profound acceptance and integration into one of the most secretive and powerful organizations in the world. While the concept is deeply rooted in Italian-American culture, its implications extend far beyond cultural heritage.
The Significance of Being 'Made'
The phrase you are welcome Italian, and legend has it that if you are not Italian, you cannot be made speaks to the exclusivity and ritual attached to this status. Being made means you are a full-privilege member of a crime family, not under probation, and not working for someone until you are elevated to this rank. It's akin to being an apprentice or intern but with much greater responsibilities and recognition.
Run Your Own Rackets
Made mafia members run their own rackets and extortion and kick money up to their Capo, who in turn kicks money up to the boss. This hierarchical structure allows made members to operate their own criminal enterprises, such as rackets and blackmail, with the understanding that they must remit a portion of their earnings to their superiors. This system ensures a steady flow of funds that supports the larger organization.
Swearing Loyalty and Oath of Membership
To be made, one is typically inducted into a crime family, such as one of the Five Families of New York. The inductee swears an oath of loyalty to the leader of the family, often referred to as the godfather, and the overarching Cosa Nostra organization, which includes other families. This inductee is considered a soldier and is expected to unquestioningly follow the orders of the leadership. They also gain the protection of the organization, knowing that they won't be targeted by other criminals for robbery or extortion.
Disciplinary Actions and Hierarchical Decision-Making
Disciplinary issues are brought to the attention of the hierarchy, and decisions about how transgressions may be handled are made by the leadership. This system ensures a strict adherence to the organization's rules and maintains a disciplined structure within the ranks.
The Blood Oath of Omerta
The concept of being made also involves the blood oath of the Omerta code, which is a code of silence. This means that members are not allowed to inform on or betray one another. Breaking this code is considered a grave offense and can lead to severe consequences within the organization.
Path to Becoming 'Made'
Per Henry Hill's account in Goodfellas, being made means that you could mess with anyone who wasn't made. If anyone messes with a made member, they are effectively targeting the entire crime family and would be handled accordingly. This highlights the mutual protection and support within the organization.
Becoming made is a significant and formal process, typically requiring sponsorship by someone who is already a respected made member and has shown their value to the organization. This ensures that only those deemed worthy are accepted into the ranks. Once inducted, a made member is virtually untouchable, except by order of the council, the criminal organization that oversees all mob families.
Conclusion
The concept of being made in the Mafia is a complex and intricate process that involves not only loyalty and protection but also a deep understanding of the hierarchy and the Omerta code. This exclusivity and ritual underscore the profound significance of this status within these powerful and secretive organizations.