Are Mafia bosses respectable?

[ChefPapiChulo]

They hold large amounts of power, but only through the use of violence and intimidation. Are they people that can be respected by everyday folk?

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

Old school Yakuza used to be reasonably respectable (and not just through fear and intimidation). They actually performed a useful service in exchange for the taxes they collected from businesses, providing muscle and protection for that business and similar to a second government.

My father used to pay them collection money to protect his business from common thugs and the Yakuza did actually did actually provide that service in exchange. It wasn't just, "Pay us or else," although that was part of it. If we did pay, they actually did exchange a useful service.

It's pretty much the same fundamental idea as government. Government rules through force in exchange for our tax dollars: "protection money". Unlike government though, organized crime isn't limited by a constitution. That's where they tend to veer more quickly towards corruption.

Over the years, the Yakuza have become less and less respectable and more corrupt. They were always at least somewhat corrupt they used to provide a reasonably "fair" service in exchange.

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

[*] [...] to protect his business from common thugs and the Yakuza [actually did] provide that service in exchange.

[*] They were always at least somewhat corrupt [but] they used to provide a reasonably "fair" service in exchange.

Sometimes the Yakuza were even more efficient at protecting citizens than the police and at a fraction of the price that government charged its citizens.

[ChicoFromThe305]

Yes because they only use intimidation and violence if they need to use it to get the results they want or need, for example of they ask you to leave their place of business and you do, they will just let you walk out the door in a respectful manner, although if you get aggressive and refuse to leave they will make you leave.

[IslaTheWitch]

tbh... they are usually very intelligent and charismatic... they win people's loyalty, and people simply love them and could die for them... but they are also cold and merciless. Mistakes are not tolerated

just imagine... how do you want this whole machine to work based only on power and fear? People must want to submit and feel valued as part of the organization. You won't achieve it with violence and intimidation... people need to love and blindly believe their leader to be able to do the awful things they do... of course... some people don't submit easily... and they are forced and threatened

[ChefPapiChulo]

Maybe people within the family love them, but it's probably mostly fear.

[IslaTheWitch]

do you really believe FEAR keeps such organizations running without any problem for years? Do you really believe people who are scared can do independent work in field? Or gather intelligence? Or kill?

[ChefPapiChulo]

Yes lol. Fear is the best tool to get people to do what you want.

[IslaTheWitch]

people who are scared are ready to run away, to betray, because they are scared and under constant pressure and being longer in this state makes you ready to risk your life just to get away... they are not material for mafia members

[ChefPapiChulo]

Fear keeps people from betraying. Envy and greed that surpass that fear is what puts mob bosses in trouble with their underlings.

[IslaTheWitch]

it can happen if top management doesn't know their job... but then organization wint exist long or boss is killed. But if you read the history of mafia you will see, the organization is always driven by positive emotions, building trust, losing independence, relying on others... those are very tight relationships. And run much longer than anything based on fear

[ChefPapiChulo]

True, but those feelings are usually associated with fear of retribution if broken.

[ChefPapiChulo]

Those things are definitely important in the underworld though, so you're right.

[Dargil]

They aren't respectable but they are predictable. And unlike Jihadists, Mexican Cartel kingpins and Democrats, they operate with a code of conduct.

[ChefPapiChulo]

What code of conduct is that?

[Dargil]

If you were around the life, you would know.

[ChefPapiChulo]

Ah, your usual word salad. Bravo.

[Dargil]

What overloaded or confused you?

[Anonymous]

No, some actions might be but others are very much not

[NathanDavis]

they're replaceable