Al Capone was an infamous American mobster, who rose to infamy during the prohibition era of the 1920s Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1899, Capone was the fourth of nine children. From an early age, Capone was drawn to the world of organized crime, and at just 19 years old, he joined the Five Points Gang, an organized crime group run by the infamous Johnny Torrio. During the prohibition era, Capone and Torrio made money off of the illegal sale and distribution of alcohol, which allowed them to accumulate a great deal of wealth and power. Capone eventually rose to become head of the organized crime syndicate in Chicago, where he oversaw other criminal activities such as racketeering, gambling, prostitution, and even murder.
Al Capone’s legacy has left an indelible mark on American culture and society. Here are five examples of the ways that his legacy affects us today.
1. The “Untouchable” Stereotype: One of the most lasting legacies of Al Capone is the stereotype of the “untouchable” criminal, who is smart and wily enough to evade the law. Capone was known for evading criminal charges and never serving a day in prison for his crimes, cementing the idea of the criminal mastermind who always managed to stay one step ahead.
2. Prohibition Era Music: During the prohibition era, many musicians wrote songs and lyrics that glorified the lifestyle of gangsters like Al Capone. This included iconic musicians such as Louis Armstrong, who wrote and performed songs like “Al Capone’s Blues.” These songs helped to immortalize the legacy of Capone and other mobsters of the era.
3. Organized Crime Syndicates: Al Capone was the first mobster to unite organized crime groups into the modern-day syndicates that we know today. This legacy lives on in the work of modern-day organized crime syndicates, which continue to use tactics like racketeering and money laundering to make a profit.
4. Popular Culture: The persona of Al Capone has been immortalized in American popular culture, with numerous films, books, and television programs about his life. These stories have further entrenched the public’s perception of Capone as a larger-than-life figure and a symbol of organized crime.
5. Criminology: The criminal activities of Al Capone have also been used to shed light on the history of organized crime in the United States. Through study, researchers have been able to better understand the complex networks of organized crime syndicates, and the tactics they use to evade the law.
Al Capone’s legacy is still felt today, and his impact on American society and culture is undeniable. His life and criminal activities have been studied, analyzed, and immortalized in popular culture, leaving behind a lasting influence on both the criminal justice system and our culture as a whole.