Why is America obsessed with the mob life?

Why are people so drawn to the mob? From movies and TV to infamous real estate, mob fascination is everywhere. Today, I explore this obsession by looking at an iconic piece of mob history: Paul Castellano’s old house, now selling for way over its value simply because of who once lived there. So, what is it about the mob lifestyle that keeps people hooked? I’m unpacking the mystique, the allure, and the way it captures imaginations across generations. Tune in as I dive into why the mob life resonates so deeply with so many, and what makes this world both captivating and controversial.

Paul Castellano's White house

Why is America obsessed with the mob life?

00:00 Start
01:13 Introduction/Why the obsession?
03:32 Saving the Al Capone House
04:20 The colorful Figures of the life
05:12 Why were we so popular at the time?
06:01 Big Paul Castellano's Staten Island Mansion
06:57 My experience being at this mansion
08:27 The mafia "White House"
10:52 Why would someone buy it this Mansion?
13:54 What was that life really about?
14:47 We didn't respect the Law
15:38 Was everything we did immoral?
16:17 The fascination of the mob from Law Enforcement
17:22 Conclusion

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[RaysBikes]

When I was a kid. I thought mob movies were the best thing I ever saw. I grew up very poor and seeing guys in suits with money, getting respect. The first time i heard Ray Liotta in Goodfellas say "as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster" it took the words right out of my head.

[samvojtech]

In my opinion, I think it's preconceived ideas - movie magic. Machismo, nice cars, nice clothes, etc. But also ideas that make the life seem glamourous. Thanks Mr. Franzese! God bless!

[mardamek]

Mr. Franzese, I believe that the human component is why the Italian mafia became more popular than others. Of course, Hollywood helps a lot as well. There’s something about the image of guys with suits, Italian accent, and the fact that outside of being essentially criminals, they were family people, full of love for their family, friends and neighbors. Power and money are attractive too, but the widespread popularity has to do with the human side of it. With all their faults, these guys were/are likeable characters, and for most people they are perceived as cleanly dressed guys with character and family values, than as gangsters and criminals…

[kurt]

I heard a story that some teenage kids cut off big paul while driving near his home. Big Paul got their license plate, tracked them down, and had them brought back to his house . These kids were shaking with fear, and Big paul just looked at them for a while and said, "You shouldn't do what you did because you never know who you're messing with" Then he let them go.

[stevehoover]

I'm a Baptist preacher and I've thought about this a lot. It's the idea of a code of honor and of family. Money of course factors in the idea of unlimited amounts of money is very intoxicating. But I believe more than anything to people like me who grew up without a dad The idea of being in a group that has got your back no matter what and has promise to live by a code honorably has a great draw.

[tonys]

Even if you don't care much about the mob, mob stories tend to be great stories. "A Bronx Tale" is a good example. It's one of the best movies I've ever seen period, with great characters, a fascinating plots, and quotable lines and scenes. You don't have to know or care about the mob to love it.

[BabyBearsBBQ]

My grandfather used to take Al Capone fishing in Key West back in the day. He said that Al was intensely charismatic and was extremely likeable on a personal level. Now, he obviously knew that underneath that, he was a dangerous man.

[c.ivanalvarez]

As a Mexican, I can say that the fascination for Cosa Nostra has to do with the organization having a code of honor within themselves, respect to families and civilians, and the older ethics of deal and die.

[marciamatteini]

My fascination with the mob is because my Dad use to tell me and my family stories about the mob in Detroit, riding around the area where he grew up, in long black limousines. It was called the Oakwood area back in the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. One story was a the limousine pulled up down the street and a guys got out and drug out some man, and started beating him. His Italian mother came running out begging them “please don’t kill my son, please don’t kill my son”. At that point they stopped and told the guy your mom just saved your life. But eventually someone rode by his house and shot him as he stood in the doorway. My Dad remembered the street beating. There were other stories too. My Dad is now with the Lord and I miss him so much. Best father anyone could ask for. ❤️✝️

[WendiintoancientHistory]

For me, the fascination comes from old mob stories I've always read about. Al Capone, St. Valentines day massacre, Bonnie and Clyde and their shoot out, Lucky Luciano and his life and death, Bugsy Seigel, John Gotti, etc. These "legends" created the fascination with the mafia, and I for one, like hearing stories and things that go on in that secret life. I don't know how else to describe it. Michael, you are great, I admire you, and you do a LOT of good in this world. Thank You 👏

[Cashcrop]

Interesting video. I can only speak for myself. My interest in Organized crime started because my grandfather was a police officer in the 20's and 30's. He told me stories of the Licavoli gang. Also known as the Purple gang. At the age of 10 these stories were great adventures and my grandfather was a great story teller. My interest grew over time. I guess it was the fact these guys lived on the edge and people have always loved bad guys from RobinHood to Billy the Kid and Jesse James. Thanks for giving us access into the life Michael!

[jjugo]

I think the fascination that exists with the Mafia, specifically the Italian one, is because despite the violence, these organizations used to provide communities with more stability, security, family values ​​and honorability than any other structure currently in existence that we can rely on.

[rww]

Mob man with YouTube channel about mob life wonders why people are fascinated with mob life. Bro- it’s a perceived freedom and way of life people all want. Outside the system, money and power, etc. Pretty simple explanation really. Cheers.

[grantday]

Love you Michael. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺

[brigitte]

People are not fascinated with the “mob.” People are obsessed with justice. And the Italian Mafia has an honor code.

[zuliviera]

Congratulations Mike. You deserve it. Been a follower since day 1

[gregsmith]

I think the fascination is because most people who generally obey the law or don't are curious about people who live or have lived completely outside of that

[MovieKnight-cu]

My theory is people are fascinated in extreme lives, or lives quite far from the norm. For most of us everyday life is boring, so a movie about an historical figure, a celebrity, a gangster, a sports star, a military legend or an historical figure is a window into a far more incredible life than what we're living. Although the consequences of those lives are often overlooked... Peace, privacy, freedom, safety...

[dominicdicecco]

As one who has past family members reputed to have been "in the life" my opinion as to why people are interested (in part) is how they see their government: crooked. Fascination with the mob is not dangerous, but too much with the government might be. God bless you for your ministry work!

[John-ctzs]

I never wanted to be a mob guy when I was a kid watching these movies like a lot of other guys on here are saying, but I liked how great a villain they were for whatever movie or TV show I was watching. They were complex villains, ruthless, brutal, but with their own logic about honor and morality.