Yesterday was a day of remembrance in Italy, during which the victims of Mafia crimes throughout the years are celebrated. I never really understood the Mafia's impact on Italian life. I think films like "The Godfather" (although amazing) paint a picture that doesn't exactly mirror reality.
In parts of Italy, the Mafia directly or indirectly controls up to ninety percent of the businesses in the towns. They are mainly concerned with money, and will do to almost anything to ensure that they can continue operating. In the early 1990s, several Italian magistrates and officials were brutally assassinated within months (a car bomb was involved in one case). Some of you may remember this if you were paying attention to the news at the time.
In class on Monday, we watched a devastating documentary about Mafia activities. People are shot in broad daylight, in front of children. My professor is so knowledgeable about everything Italy. She brought up an interesting point. We were wondering how the Mafia is able to continue operating on such a widespread scale. But why not? If you were an eyewitness to Mafia crimes, would you put the lives of your family members at risk to divulge information? Probably not. The Mafia is able to operate in secrecy.
We also learned about inspiring measures being taken to change mentalities and attitudes. Many assume that Mafia is a way of life. However, people like one priest from Sicily try to change that. This priest opened a soccer field at his church for young neighborhood children to use for games. But there was a catch. They had to follow certain rules while they were there, and be respectful. By giving children a place to gather where they can't be coaxed by bosses into criminal activity, the priest is changing their lives. This shows that individual people can change a society, and maybe the world. Step by step.
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