Why Mexican Gangs and Yakuza Accept Foreign Nationals, But Not Italian Mafia Members
One fascinating aspect of organized crime organizations is how they define their membership criteria. Two notable examples include Mexican gangs and the Yakuza, which have traditionally been more inclusive when it comes to accepting foreign nationals. In stark contrast, the historical Italian mafia, particularly the Sicilian groups, have had stricter membership rules based on cultural origins.
Cultural Origins and Membership in the Italian Mafia
The Italian mafia, particularly the Sicilian mafia or the Cosa Nostra, has a long and storied history deeply rooted in the cultural and ethnic fabric of Sicily. Historically, the members were predominantly Sicilian. For example, during the 1980s, Paul Castellano (the then President of the Gambino Family in New York) had a significant conflict with John Gotti, who was a Neapolitan and not a native Sicilian. This led to a high-profile and tragic event where Castellano was assassinated by Gotti's men in 1985. The animosity was rooted in the belief that only true Sicilians could be trusted and were entitled to gain membership.
Such exclusion was not just a casual belief; it was a deeply ingrained cultural practice that reflected the historical and social context of the Sicilian mafia. By limiting membership to Sicilians, the mafia maintained a sense of exclusivity and loyalty, ensuring that the tight-knit networks remained unbroken. However, as the Italian mafia grew more powerful and expanded its operations, the importance of cultural origins began to wane. Today, many members of the mafia are no longer necessarily Sicilian, but they are expected to contribute significant wealth to the organization.
The Case of Mexican Gangs
In contrast to the Italian mafia, Mexican gangs, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Zetas, have historically been more open to accepting foreign nationals into their ranks. This inclusivity can be attributed to the more flexible cultural and geographic boundaries that characterize these organizations. Historically, the leadership and core membership of Mexican gangs have come from various parts of Mexico, but the increasing globalization of drug trafficking and transnational organized crime has led to a more diverse membership base.
One key factor contributing to this inclusivity is the shift in leadership. As Mexican mafia leaders have faced more pressure and scrutiny from both domestic and international authorities, some of them have sought to diversify their operations. This often involves establishing alliances with individuals from different nationalities, which can include foreign nationals with valuable skills and resources.
The Yakuza: A Unique Case
The Yakuza of Japan, while originating from Japanese culture, have also shown a trend towards inclusivity in recent years. Traditionally, the Yakuza were highly exclusive and based their membership on a combination of social status, reputation, and debt. However, the modern Yakuza have expanded their operations to include individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, especially those involved in illegal activities and organized crime.
The Yakuza's shift towards inclusivity is largely due to the global expansion of their criminal enterprises. As they target new markets and work with different groups, the traditional boundaries based on cultural origins have become less rigid. Additionally, the cosmopolitan nature of Japanese society and its increasing integration into the global economy have contributed to a more open membership policy.
Conclusion
While the historical Italian mafia enforced a strict membership policy based on cultural and ethnic origins, Mexican gangs and the Yakuza have shown a more flexible approach. This change in the criteria for membership is a reflection of the global nature of organized crime and the evolving social and economic landscapes of the regions where they operate. Ultimately, the growing importance of economic contributions over cultural ties underscores the shift towards a more inclusive approach to forming and maintaining these criminal organizations.