It had been a long day for Deadshot he had been on a few flights, had a few scary close calls with his drug runs but he had got through another day. Deadshot had plenty of goals for the days he worked wich was most days - Make money, Protect family and stay alive. On this long flight back home Deadshot had a few thoughts running through his head and just wanted to get them off his chest so when the plane touched down in Detroit he made this way to the streets quickly, he wasn't running just a power walk carrying a briefcase with him. On arrival to the streets he could see there were a few people wondering around so Deadshot places his briefcase down and coughed twice clearing his throat, a few people had turned round wondering what the masked man was doing...

"Hello Ladies and gentlemen I was on my was home when I started wondering about the ranks within our community of mobsters. I have seen in past people coming to the streets to talk how important the rank Made Man then the next big one is Don but what about in between them ranks surely they are just as much important? I think they are because soon you hit Made man it just doesn't mean you will automatically get promoted higher and higher because you have achieved the rank Made Man. I still think you can improve more, do more for your family for you to achieve Capo next they maybe you have bring more money in for Boss but why do we forget about these ranks? What do you guys think?"

Deadshot is a little tires from the long day and standing for the last 15 minutes while talking so he takes a seat on his briefcase and waits for some responses to him speech within the streets. 

Listening to what Deadshot had to say Soul ponders the question for a moment before speaking up

I think such a big deal is made of Made Man as that is the moment that you become a full trusted member of the family. Of course the Capo and Boss, etc ranks are equally as important and one would expect people to work just as hard to bring in the cash, do the drug runs and perhaps take some positions of responsibility within the family, however until you have been 'Made', in this thing of ours, you are truly a fully initiated member of the mafia world. 

Soul steps back to hear what others have to say and listens on in interest

Koehler makes his way through the crowd and chimes in.

"I personally feel Made Man is the big promotion; the promotion that starts it all. It brings someone into the inner circle and is only given once said member has proven him/herself and is considered a trusted and valuable member of the family. Made Man is such a big deal because it's the rank that will make people will start seeing you as more than just 'another member'.

As for the ranks past Made Man, of course members need to prove themselves further.  They can't work for Made Man and then expect a free ride from then on. You work for each individual rank, no hand outs. If someone doesn't deserve it from the service they have done, they shouldn't get it. Plain and simple.

I can't speak for others, but I haven't forgotten about the Capo-Consigliere ranks. They mean just as much as Made Man to me, they just aren't as important to one's life in the mob as the rank of Made Man. In a way, they're like a bonus for those who deserve it, whereas Made Man is the base."

Koehler steps back and listens in on the others.

I think Made Man is so important because it's the first rank you can't gain. It has to given to you. It's the decision of your leader. Capo, Boss and so forth are an extension of that, each showing how much trust your leader has in you.

Butterfingers was wandering past a small group of people that were listening intently to a man talking about ranks in the this world of ours. She listens intently and then steps forward for her say in the matter.

"I agree wholeheartedly that the rank of Made-Man is and should be an honor to receive and an honor for the CL to give. You must work for it and prove that you are part of the family and willing to do what it takes for the family to survive. The ranks above this should also be worked for. Some see them just as "extra" steps within the family structure, however, they each come with a benefit for the recipient and they should be earnt not just handed out. Yes, you have to work hard yourself to reach the days and units to get the promotion to start with, but if you are not doing anything for the family, or just coasting along, then why would the CL consider giving you the benefit that comes with the promotion? We work hard to get to Made-Man, so, from my perspective, that work should not stop there regardless whether you wish to continue to rise in the ranks or not."

With that said, Butterfingers blends back into the crowd to continue listening to other perspectives.

Johnny gradually walks up to the crowd after intending a fine dinner at a five star restaurant he intents every Thursday. Mostly glancing and skimming really fast over the conversations that are going on he decides to speak a few words himself..

"first point to get a crossed. I did not hear the whole discussion but would like to state my value of becoming a Made Man... Of coarse it is important to be a Made Man. Your CL that made you a made man says a lot about you. It states you have the patience, loyalty, The no how of how this thing of ours works.. The ranks that follow after Made Man are equally important. They simply state you you are staying on the right track and still contributing all the things you did to become Made and your CL trust you enough to hand you a little more power. Ranks are more then something that looks nice they state a lot about a person as an individually in my opinion."

Johnny wonders back into the crowd to hear what other people have to say.. 

I disagree with those who have said the ranks after are equally as important because compared to making your bones, they're not. At that point, you've made it and your leader has shown they have placed their trust in you. That's not to say they aren't important or aren't to be respected because they are.

Many are aware that making your bones is the most important thing that will ever happen to a guy in our line of work, but what comes after is just about going through the motions for many. If a leader doesn't put emphasis on each rank then it will be pretty much seen in such a way. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, each family will run in ways in which their leaders will see fit.

I've known people to use targets for people to gain each rank, targets such as hitting a financial bracket, displaying the ability to recruit and train associates/soldiers, displaying a good street presence. Generally I prefer these methods as I feel it does place some importance on the ranks past Made but if I'm honest, there's nothing to stop someone from taking it upon themselves to create their own targets. Although in this day and age, people seem to prefer to reap the reward with minimal input.

Plissken hears the conversation, thinks about it, and decides to give his opinion.

I agree with what a lot of others are saying here. Made Man is a big deal because it puts you in the inner circle of your crew. You're officially family and "in." Also like many are saying it's the first rank you have to actually earn and be patient for not just achieve automatically.

He steps back to allow others to speak their minds.

I respect every and all ranks above Made.
However, with that being said, I would trade a Made Man and a Capo or Boss with very little difference.
Once you have your button, you have your bones. You're to be respected, of course.
However, with that responsibility is also knowing your place. You need to know when you're in the right to express yourself, and when you're better off biting your tongue. The general guideline I use is Associate << Made + << LH << RH << Crew Leader << GodFather of district << GodFather of an entire city.

 

Excuse me, I meant to say treat, not trade.
Ha, that could have been taken very wrongly. 

Johnny listens to a few perspectives closely and instantly jumps back in to the discussion to voice another view opinions of his own..

"Of coarse being Made Man comes with perks and means you are excepted into the inner circle and what not.. But how does being "Made" and "Respect" go hand to hand? Well in my opinion they dont. I demand respect as an individual no matter if I am made or not. Everyone deserves Respect. So maybe the better way to word it would be.. When you are made you have a higher value.. As in, You have a bigger voice. More of a say in discussions and certain events.  Being Made and Respect does not go hand to hand. Being made is more less a higher thrown of acceptance.

As he pulls out a cigar lights it, Tips his hat  "Good discussion folks but some people I simply do not agree with here. Exactly when they say being made means you are apart of the inner circle and the ranks after are mainly just a treat. Every rank has more power and higher acceptance and importance in some peoples eyes. Every rank means something different and cannot be compared to Made Man.."

he steps back to let others join the discussion again..

Again Johnny, I'd have to disagree with your opinion on the respect issue. Made Man and respect do go hand in hand, although you may not respect the individual you MUST hold a level of respect towards their rank, if you don't it may land you in hot water. That is an age old discussion though, one that has frequented these streets countless times.

Respect is earned, that much is true. But you can't be a loudmouth to someone who is made as someone who is not. Not without repercussions, while you can get away with disrespect to an associate.

Respect is earned. But in what context are you saying that in? Curious.. Cause in a way that is sort of saying I can disrespect everyone until they earn my respect. Which isn't how this world goes round. Respect is a universal thing ya know? Should be a common virtue among us.. Cause I am nice to everyone until they prove there not worthy of my kindness..So honestly Respect is actually an automatic reaction until disrespect comes into the equation... I know this is besides the point but I am simply stating respect is not earned in many ways.. But more less a higher throne of acceptance like I said. Some people maybe be held on a higher pedestal but doesn't mean they get more "respect".. I dont know. Just my opinion...

A good question Deadshot. I've never given it any thought until now but your observation is correct. My ancestors have always run families and never once questioned a promotion after the first big step into the syndicate. Looking back at their worlds I think they always treated this life we lead as a sort of game. They often thought that the stigma that went with promoting Made Men was far too often made a big deal of and if they had had their own way, chances are, they would have promoted any old son of a gun. They wanted their own family to be the strongest and so to have the biggest people loitering within was a "no-brainer". 

More recent generations of my family learnt that it is quality over quantity when it comes to our minions. Therefore the big deal over promotion serves as a sort of buffer zone, an excuse if you will, to hold down those we still don't know enough about. Once we do know that are members are to be trusted they get the button but we are not already thinking "Will they make a suitable Capo?". 

No, the following ranks are merely a formality in my opinion. The questions that follow promotion are "Will they be a suitable sponsor? A hand? A future captain to your city? A bright new gun slinger?"

Ideally I would sum up my opinion here and sign out but I have completely forgotten if I was even making one or just pitching in. 

Tony hiccups and swigs from a brown paper bag before falling asleep on the streets. 

I understand what you are all saying Made Man is the foundation on your rank its when you are trusted and accepted in the inner circle of the family but I have heard of families in the past putting targets on ranks that you need to achieve before you were ranked above Made Man or capo ect.

On the respect part I agree Respect is earned but as a Wise guy I would always respect anyone Made man and above because they have earned the respect of there upper structure to get there rank and I always except Wise Guys and lower to respect them above as they have been there and worked there arse off to be shown respect. But I never agree to someone taking the power and disrespecting someone who is trying to achieve what they have got.

I think we're confusing respect with civility, Johnny. You should be civil to everyone, unless they, for some reason, don't deserve to be treated with civility. You should be civil towards a Made Man if you value your life. But you should also have at least a grain of respect for him, because he is a Made Man, someone who Made it in our society. 

Smarty hears his homie DeadShot from Detroit city speaking as soon as after landing in homeland, asking for some points of view about ranks and respect... He was interested in the topic for quite some time, and having made some ideas about the matter in his head, he was gladly willing to share openly and without any distortion his mind about it, as his bloodline always dd (sometimes displeasing many people in places of power by being straithtforward in the process...)

Trying to be short and avoid long headache introductions, he speaks his ideas in form of bullets:

• Button Ranks have meaning for beginners only, at least when you have been a Don a few times... Like ceremonies involved.
• Respect and appreciation come with time and experience, as one of my kin said a long time ago...
• Respect is not always learned by work and/or money, but foremost by trust
• Respect and trust are easily lost, but very hard to get from people you don't know if they don't know you
• Respect and trust are like virginity to regain for some associations of people