Gangster: Difference between revisions
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A '''''''' |
A ''''''''Gangster' is a career criminal who is, or at some point almost invariably becomes, a member of a persistent [[violent crime|violent]] [[Organized crime|crime organization]], such as a [[gang]]. As an adjective it can be used as an unflattering depiction of the violent and devious methods commonly used by [[mobster]]s, and the derived form '''gangsterism''' it implies such methods as practice or habit. The term '''gangster''' is most commonly used in reference to members of the criminal organizations associated with the American offshoot of the [[Mafia|Cosa Nostra]] and the [[Prohibition in the United States|American prohibition]], such as the [[Chicago Outfit]] and the [[Five Families]], and individuals such as [[Al Capone]] and [[Bugsy Siegel]]. |
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Gangsters are typically organized criminals who are actively engaged in crime as a group activity or enterprise for power, pleasure or profit. The visibility of activities of gangsters can range from the low-level such as [[Illegal drug trade|drug-trafficking]] or [[Protection racket|protectionism]], which are prone to be 'under the radar', to the in-your-face spectacular, such as the UK's multi-million [[Brinks Mat robbery]]. Gangsters often run their operations as businesses insofar as they offer a "product" or "service", albeit an illegal one, or, as is sometimes the case, a legitimate business operating as a front for criminal activity. |
Gangsters are typically organized criminals who are actively engaged in crime as a group activity or enterprise for power, pleasure or profit. The visibility of activities of gangsters can range from the low-level such as [[Illegal drug trade|drug-trafficking]] or [[Protection racket|protectionism]], which are prone to be 'under the radar', to the in-your-face spectacular, such as the UK's multi-million [[Brinks Mat robbery]]. Gangsters often run their operations as businesses insofar as they offer a "product" or "service", albeit an illegal one, or, as is sometimes the case, a legitimate business operating as a front for criminal activity. |
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Revision as of 02:24, 5 December 2007
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A '''Gangster' is a career criminal who is, or at some point almost invariably becomes, a member of a persistent violent crime organization, such as a gang. As an adjective it can be used as an unflattering depiction of the violent and devious methods commonly used by mobsters, and the derived form gangsterism' it implies such methods as practice or habit. The term gangster is most commonly used in reference to members of the criminal organizations associated with the American offshoot of the Cosa Nostra and the American prohibition, such as the Chicago Outfit and the Five Families, and individuals such as Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel.
Gangsters are typically organized criminals who are actively engaged in crime as a group activity or enterprise for power, pleasure or profit. The visibility of activities of gangsters can range from the low-level such as drug-trafficking or protectionism, which are prone to be 'under the radar', to the in-your-face spectacular, such as the UK's multi-million Brinks Mat robbery. Gangsters often run their operations as businesses insofar as they offer a "product" or "service", albeit an illegal one, or, as is sometimes the case, a legitimate business operating as a front for criminal activity.
Some gangsters, sometimes called thugs, engage in extortion, intimidation, and/or bribery to wield influence over labor unions. They are also known for attempting to manipulate the decisions of civil institutions, such as court cases and political elections.
Some well known gangsters include Al Capone, George "Bugs" Moran, Johnny Dio, John Gotti, Bernardo Provenzano, Mickey Cohen and Bugsy Siegel.
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