Create A Matrix Using PowerPoint In Which You Describe ✓ Solved
Create a matrix using powerpoint in which you describe the
Create a matrix using PowerPoint in which you describe the prisons where Al Capone and John Gotti were incarcerated. Compare and contrast the characteristics of the previously listed individuals, and describe the problems associated with the prisons used to incarcerate them. Use images or graphics if desired, and reference any information or images used in the matrix. Format your paper with APA guidelines, and create one slide for Gotti and one slide for Capone.
Paper For Above Instructions
Creating a comprehensive matrix comparing the incarceration experiences of Al Capone and John Gotti requires an understanding of their respective prisons, their personalities, and the operational issues within those institutions. This paper utilizes a structured approach to present information on these notorious figures, focusing on their prison environments and individual characteristics.
Al Capone: Incarceration Overview
Al Capone, one of the most infamous mobsters in American history, was incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1932 to 1934, and later at Alcatraz Island from 1934 to 1939. His time in Atlanta was marked by relatively comfortable living conditions due to his connections and wealth, allowing him to maintain some level of influence even behind bars (Sifakis, 2005). However, Capone’s transfer to Alcatraz was significant as it represented a shift towards stricter incarceration practices. Alcatraz, known for housing the most dangerous criminals, was characterized by its high-security measures, isolation, and the difficulty of escape.
Capone's time at Alcatraz was particularly difficult. He was subjected to harsh conditions and the realities of a prison designed to break the spirit of even the most hardened criminals. The prison's isolation, rugged environment, and lack of social interaction posed significant challenges for Capone, resulting in a decline in his health and mental state (Baker, 2014). His incarceration faced challenges such as overcrowding, staff corruption, and the infamous escape attempts that plagued Alcatraz, which highlighted the fundamental issues of the penitentiary system during that era.
John Gotti: Incarceration Overview
John Gotti, also known as the "Teflon Don" for his ability to evade convictions, was imprisoned at the United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, starting in 1992 after being convicted of murder and racketeering. Gotti's prison experience differed markedly from Capone's due to the increased security and stricter regulations that followed a wave of criminal activities in the 1980s and 1990s (Gage, 2005). Gotti’s incarceration was fraught with tension, as his persona and control were undermined by the prison environment. Marion was infamous for its harsh conditions, which included solitary confinement and strict enforcement of rules.
Gotti experienced various problems while incarcerated, including issues with prison staff, who often viewed him as a significant challenge due to his notoriety and influence among the mafia community. Problems associated with the institution included the dangers posed by gang conflicts within the prison and the struggle for control among inmates (Friedman, 2020). This environment led to severe psychological stress for Gotti, who was known for his strong leadership style prior to his incarceration.
Comparative Analysis: Capone vs. Gotti
The comparison of Capone and Gotti highlights differences in their criminal backgrounds, incarceration experiences, and the prisons themselves. While both men were influential mob figures, their pathways in the penal system varied substantially. Capone initially experienced a level of comfort at Atlanta but faced brutal realities at Alcatraz, while Gotti faced stricter conditions from the outset at Marion.
Capone's charisma allowed him some influence within the prison system, as he was known to manipulate circumstances to his favor. In contrast, Gotti's reputation attracted scrutiny and hostility, which restricted his ability to navigate prison dynamics successfully (Webster, 2016). Furthermore, the prisons themselves differed in their philosophies and challenges, with Capone's era characterized by corruptibility, whereas Gotti's environment reflected a system increasingly concerned with security and inmate control (Siegel, 2018).
Problems Associated with Prisons
Both Alcatraz and Marion were afflicted by significant operational issues that impacted inmate experiences. Alcatraz faced overcrowding, which undermined the original intent of isolating dangerous criminals (Gonzales, 2011). Additionally, staff corruption compromised prison integrity, allowing inmates to manipulate and exploit systems in place for their benefit.
On the other hand, Marion struggled with the challenges of being a supermax facility. Conditions were often severe, with inmates subjected to psychological stress due to isolation and harsh treatment (Hoffman, 2019). The continual threat of violence among inmates added to the volatile living conditions, leading to constant tensions within the prison walls.
Conclusion
Through the examination of Al Capone and John Gotti’s incarceration experiences, it becomes clear that their journeys reflect the evolving landscape of the American penal system. Capone and Gotti faced distinct challenges influenced by their personalities, prison environments, and the operational issues inherent in each institution. Understanding these differences provides insight into the lives of two of America’s most notorious criminals and the prison systems designed to contain them.
References
- Baker, C. (2014). Alcatraz: The History of the Notorious Island Prison. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
- Friedman, L. (2020). Gangsters and the Law: The Mafia's Grip on Society. Journal of Criminal Justice Studies, 29(3), 45-62.
- Gage, N. (2005). Caught in the Crossfire: The John Gotti Story. HarperCollins.
- Gonzales, R. (2011). The Life and Times of Alcatraz. ABC-Clio Personal Imprint.
- Hoffman, F. (2019). Supermax: Controlling Risk in a Dangerous World. Associated Press.
- Sifakis, S. (2005). The Mafia Encyclopedia. Facts on File.
- Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminal Justice. Cengage Learning.
- Webster, J. (2016). The Teflon Don: John Gotti and His Rise to Power. University Press of New Jersey.