Life as a Gangster: The Reality Behind the Glamour

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Being a gangster is often portrayed as a glamorous lifestyle in film and literature, but the reality is far more complex and harsh. The lifestyle requires a different mindset, and the consequences can be severe, both legally and personally.

Defining a Gangster

Definitions of what it means to be a gangster can vary widely, but one thing is clear: it's not for the faint of heart. One person describes their experience as 13 years of pure violence and the realization that the money and power sought through gangster activities are ultimately worthless.

Consequences and Paranoia

The life of a gangster comes with severe consequences. Even if you avoid legal trouble, the aftermath of your actions can haunt you. For the individual in the story, the psychological and emotional fallout were significant.

Most gangsters are not perceived as highly intelligent. They often lack the same level of societal awareness and experience, as evidenced by the comparison to Goodfellas character Joe Pesci rather than the characters in The Godfather.

The Double-Edged Sword

The experience can feel good during times of success, but the flip side of the coin is a deep sense of regret and doubt. One feels like a criminal, with the possibility of a jail cell looming over them. This is further emphasized by the way the justice system, including arrest, prison, and parole, can be designed to undermine a person's sense of self-worth.

Support System and Isolation

The support system for a gangster is limited and comes entirely from fellow gangster buddies. Society generally attempts to make them feel foolish and unworthy. This is particularly true in places like Macedonia, where the emphasis is often on shame and humiliation rather than support.

Scams, Scans, and Learning Curves

Gangsterism is not just about making money quickly. It requires a high level of street smarts and adaptability. When a gangster is caught, their business is often irreparably damaged, leading to a significant learning curve for the next business venture. The industry is now more sophisticated and aware of gangster activities, making it harder to succeed.

The Risk of Not Repeating Mistakes

Despite the risks and challenges, there is a certain allure. Criminals can make a lot of money, but the risk of failure is high. Even if you manage to escape the law for some time, the odds of repeating your success are slim. Eventually, things will catch up to you, and the money can run out quickly.

Building a Reliable Support Network

A stable crew is crucial in gangster life. However, finding trustworthy allies is not easy. Most relationships are transactional, and older gangsters typically find it harder to be trusted. Building a strong, reliable network can make a huge difference in the long run, but it requires trust, loyalty, and consistent reliability.

Security and Safeguarding Wealth

Ensuring your safety is a top priority. Places where gangsters live or conduct business must be secure. Using burner phones, renting cars, and meeting in public places like restaurants and gas station parking lots can help minimize the risk of being caught. It's also important to limit the information shared about yourself and your wealth.

Protection is key, but even then, all gangster activities come with risks. The psychological toll of a life lived in perpetual paranoia can be devastating, but it is a necessary part of the lifestyle for many.

Ultimately, life as a gangster is a tale of constant vigilance, hard choices, and the high price of freedom. It is a path fraught with danger and uncertainty, but for some, it is the only life they know.