ThirstyFish

This is a photograph of Al Capone's Cell at the Eastern State Penitentiary.

Al Capone was one of the most notorious gangsters of the 20th Century. He has been the subject of numerous books and films. His image, mannerism, personality and even his unique Brooklyn accent have been used as an archetype for many fictional gangster characters. Saint Valentine's Day massacre is the most recognized, most fictionalized of crimes attributed to Al Capone. He spent eight months at Eastern State between 1929 and 1930 in relative luxury.

What is the reason for our popular obsession with mobster stories? Do mobsters live the life of glamor depicted in Hollywood movies? Or, do they simply end up backstabbing each other? Unfortunately, the real mobsters, those that rob people of their earnings, their basic freedoms, their education, those mobsters that hold pens not swords, do not make great subjects for popcorn Hollywood movies. And unlike violent gangsters, "mobsters of the pen" rarely backstab each other; they have understood the value of ethical altruism, but only among themselves.

Physical violence that we fear and yet are so intrigued by is just one of numerous forms of Aggression. Aggression is metamorphic; it can also take verbal, psychological and even financial forms. And unfortunately aggression begets aggression. Did you read any history lately?