# "Made Man" -How are they different? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 20, 2004, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-man-how-are-they-different/270172 "2004-10-20T04:09:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HPL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3da27b/32.png) [@HPL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HPL)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-man-how-are-they-different/270172/1 "2004-10-20T04:09:19Z")
I’ve been talking to a friend of mind about the Mafia and trying to explain the “made-man” concept, but am realizing that I’m not quite sure myself exactly what it entails. From “Goodfellas”(and it’s source book), I get the idea that a made man can’t be killed without getting permission from his family, has to be completely sicilian/italian and presumably enjoys certain special special privledges. Unfortunatly, that’s all I can remember. I can’t seem to find any good net resources about it through causual searching. Could anyone help point me in the right direction on this? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-man-how-are-they-different/270172/2 "2004-10-20T04:52:50Z")
Some Eye-Talyun might be along later to correct me later, but with that said: I’ve always thought of it as becoming “sponsored”. Imagine being an amateur skater. You do all right. You make some money at local, and maybe some regional competitions, but nothing big. You’re pretty much on your own and you’re not really part of any league. Then you get “Made”. Coke comes and sponsors you. Now you have clout and money. You get set up in some National Tours and competitions and you start making lots of money. You’re well known and kicking ass. Coke helped you get big, but in return, you’re actually making them a lot of money too. So it’s kind of like that. If you’re not “made”, you’re just small time. And you’re not part of the “family”. No matter how big of a badass you are, you’re not “IN”. Once you’re made, you can really start expanding. You’re part of the family, so you have more protection, which gives you more power and you can get even bigger. But you also have to listen to the big boss. It’s his empire, so you listen to him. Also, you’re a company man now. So you’re not just in it to make money for yourself. You’re concerned about making the “family” money. You’re not a loner anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Sharky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@Sharky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sharky)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-man-how-are-they-different/270172/3 "2004-10-20T04:55:20Z")
I’m not sure if this will help you, but this page has a detailed analysis of [the structure of traditional organized crime.](http://www.bunker8.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/orgcrim/3802.htm) > [@](#): > > In short, the underworld is a mirror image of the upperworld. Based on this model, Cressy suggested five rules of conduct governing the lives of those who were actual members of the mafia (‘made men’): > > - Be loyal to members of the organisation. Do not interfere with each other’s interests. Do not be an informer. > - Be rational. Be a member of the team. Do not engage in a battle you can’t win. > - Be a man of honour. Always do right. Respect women and your elders. Do not rock the boat. > - Be a stand-up guy. Keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth shut. Do not sell out. > - Have class. Be independent. Know your way around the world. ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-man-how-are-they-different/270172/4 "2004-10-20T07:16:58Z")
Well, there is the 10 percent discount at participating Red Lobsters. And **ALL** the Red Lobsters participate, if they know what’s good for 'em! ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-man-how-are-they-different/270172/5 "2004-10-20T09:37:33Z")
My understanding, based on movies and _The Sopranos_, is that one of the big things is that while being made means you can really start earning and being a trusted member of the organization, it also means the only way out is death or Witness Protection. You’re in it for life once you’re made. That and loyalty is what the silly ritual means. Of course, it’s from movies and I don’t live where we have real Mafia.