Michael Franzese is a former New York mobster who once ranked as one of the most prominent and financially successful members of the mafia. His dramatic transformation from a high-ranking figure in organized crime to a motivational speaker and author has captured the interest of many, making him a perfect topic for teaching students about criminology and redemption.
A Unique Case Study
Born in 1951, Michael Franzese grew up surrounded by organized crime due to his father, Sonny Franzese, being an underboss in the Colombo crime family. He eventually followed in his father’s footsteps and became a notorious mobster himself. Michael’s story is unique because he was able to walk away from a life of crime and pursue a path focused on educating others about the dangers of engaging in criminal activities.
Teaching students about Michael Franzese can provide a valuable opportunity for teachers to demonstrate real-world examples of both the dark side and transformational aspects of human nature. Covering his life story allows for intriguing lessons around topics such as crime, family dynamics, decision-making, personal growth, and social responsibility.
Historical Context
Begin with an overview of Michael’s early years – his upbringing as a mobster’s son in Brooklyn, his entrance into the world of organized crime, and his rise through the ranks of the Colombo family. Discuss how these experiences formed the choices he made at various stages throughout his life.
Criminology Focus
To teach students about Michael’s criminal exploits, delve into the various enterprises he was involved in – from extortion to racketeering, gambling operations to fraud schemes. For instance, one of his most famous criminal enterprises was defrauding gasoline taxes, which earned him millions of dollars and significant attention from law enforcement agencies.
His downfall offers several valuable lessons about crime detection methods used by law enforcement agencies, creating opportunities to discuss policing, undercover operations, and surveillance.
Personal Transformation
In 1985, Michael Franzese was indicted on federal charges and eventually sentenced to ten years in prison. It was during this time that he had a life-changing encounter when he met his future wife, who introduced him to Christianity. His newfound faith led him to renounce his criminal past and walk away from the mafia.
Discuss how faith and love played a significant role in transforming Michael Franzese’s life, and explore the concept of redemption and second chances. Analyze how Michael was able to disentangle from a life of crime while considering the external factors that contributed to the possibility of his transformation.
Post-Mafia Life
Lastly, focus on Michael’s post-mafia life, examining how he has used his criminal past as a platform for educating others about the dangers of organized crime through books, lectures, documentaries, and motivational speeches. Discuss the impact of his story on those he has reached and the broader implications of sharing such experiences for public awareness.
