As the Colombian cartels fell, Mexican cartels rose to take their place. These groups, like the Sinaloa Cartel or the Zetas, had initially been involved in smuggling goods across the US-Mexico border.
But with the decline of the Colombian cartels, they saw an opportunity to take over the drug trade. They’re now some of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world.
The Initiation Rites In the Mafia and Drug Cartels
Ah, the rituals of joining a life of crime. It can vary greatly depending on the group and the context, but let’s dive into it.
La Cosa Nostra
The initiation process can be relatively formalized for the mafia, particularly traditional ones like the Italian or Sicilian Mafia. It’s almost like an ominous fraternity initiation.
There’s a “making ceremony” ceremony where the recruit swears a life-long oath of loyalty, called omertà. This can involve symbolic rituals, like burning a picture of a saint. At the same time, the recruit holds it, signifying that they’re willing to burn in hell if they betray the organization.
The new member might also be required to commit a crime, often murder, to prove their loyalty and resolve. Remember, these groups often value family and personal ties, so being vouched for by a current member is usually necessary.
Los Carteles
Cartels, on the other hand, tend to be a bit less ritualistic and formal. Entry into a cartel might be more about proving one’s usefulness and ruthlessness.
For example, a person might start as a lookout, progress to a foot soldier, and then to a leadership position if they prove themselves. Sometimes, recruits might be required to commit violent acts as a form of initiation, proving they have the stomach for the cartel’s violent lifestyle.
This can sometimes be killing a rival gang member or public official.
Who is More Powerful?
If we’re talking about raw firepower and violence, the modern drug cartels, especially some of the ones in Mexico and South America, probably take the cake. These organizations have been known to go toe-to-toe with the military and have sometimes employed former military personnel.
Due to the immensely lucrative drug trade, they can exert significant control over large territories and have vast resources at their disposal.
On the other hand, if we’re considering influence over local communities, politics, and even legitimate businesses, traditional mafia organizations have often woven themselves deeply into the fabric of society. They’re sometimes seen as part of the community, albeit in a dark and dangerous region.
They’ve historically influenced politics, controlled labor unions, and have had their hands in numerous legitimate businesses.
The Impacts of the Mafia and Drug Cartels
Both are notorious staples of organized crime, but they operate in distinct ways, have unique histories, and leave different societal imprints. With its familial bonds and traditional structures, the mafia has woven itself deeply into the societal fabric, wielding influence over businesses and politics.
On the other side, cartels, focusing on the drug trade, command raw power and instill fear, often creating devastating social and political upheavals.
However, amid these stark contrasts, one thread binds them together—their reliance on societies where law enforcement and governance are weak or corruptible.
As we move forward, we must understand and address these underlying issues that provide fertile ground for such groups to flourish. Only then can we hope to lessen their grip on society.
And remember, as fascinating as this all might seem, the impacts of these organizations are all too real—something we should always keep in mind.
COMMENTS