The Chicago Outfit: More Than Just a Fancy Name for a Tailor
So, you wanna know about the Chicago Outfit, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into a world of fedoras, tommy guns, and questionable business practices.
The Good Ol' Days
Let's start with the basics. The Chicago Outfit, also known as the Outfit, the Chicago Mafia, or simply "the boys," is a group of people who were really good at, uh, let's say "business." Think of them as the original Shark Tank investors, but instead of pitching ideas for apps, they were pitching ideas for, well, let's just say things that were less than legal.
We're talking about a time when Prohibition was the law of the land, and the only thing drier than the desert was your martini. Enter the Outfit, who saw an opportunity as big as a bathtub gin still. With guys like Johnny Torrio and Al Capone at the helm, they turned bootlegging into a fine art. Or, as they probably called it, a "lucrative business venture."
A Family Affair (Sort Of)
Now, you might be thinking, "Wait, a family? Isn't that a bit wholesome for a bunch of gangsters?" Well, not exactly. The Outfit was more like a dysfunctional family reunion with way too many secrets and a higher body count. They had their own set of rules, their own code of silence, and a peculiar way of resolving disagreements.
The Outfit Today: A Shadow of Its Former Self
Fast forward to today, and the Outfit isn't exactly running the town like they used to. Law enforcement has gotten a bit smarter, and the world has changed. These days, they're more likely to be involved in things like gambling, loan sharking, and, believe it or not, waste management. Yes, you read that right. Turns out, garbage can be a pretty profitable business.
So, is the Outfit still a force to be reckoned with? Probably not in the same way they were in the roaring twenties. But as they say, old habits die hard.
How To...
- How to become a mobster? We strongly advise against it.
- How to avoid getting caught up in mob activity? Mind your own business, and definitely don't owe anyone money.
- How to appreciate the history of organized crime? Read books, watch movies, but don't try this at home.
- How to spot a mobster? They usually wear really nice suits and have a tendency to overtip.
- How to survive a mob hit? Good luck with that.
