588: Sammy "The Bull" Gravano | Mafia Underboss Part Two

Public Perception

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano reflects on the public's perception of the mafia, comparing it to cult-like brainwashing. He shares his realization that, much like followers of David Koresh, he too was influenced by a powerful narrative, drawing parallels to his military training where he was conditioned to view Vietnamese people as enemies 1. Gravano explains how societal environments shape perceptions, noting that in some neighborhoods, the mafia lifestyle is romanticized, while in others, education is prioritized 2.

The mafia has a way of — when you look at it and look up to it, you can call it brainwashing as well.

--- Sammy "The Bull" Gravano

He highlights the allure of the "bad boy" image, which continues to attract attention and admiration, even in his later years 2.

   

Mafia Image

Gravano addresses the myths surrounding the mafia, emphasizing the difference between public perception and reality. He candidly discusses his past, clarifying that while he was involved in numerous crimes, he never woke up wanting to kill someone 3. Gravano also touches on the evolution of the mafia code, likening its decline to the casualization of airline travel, where once strict rules have become lax 4.

The mafia code used to be like how people dressed up nicely to go on airlines. And now it's just flip-flops and sweatpants.

--- Adam Carolla

He acknowledges that the current openness about mafia life, including writing books, is a stark contrast to the past when silence was a matter of life and death 4.