Omerta is considered to be Code of Silence that is followed when the government is to be dealt with. Literally, it stands of ‘manhood’ and tends to refer the idea of the man trying to deal his own problems, not taking any assistance of any law body. Besides this, the term is said to have become quite synonymous with code of silence of the mafia family. Omerta is considered to be a well known attitude, especially in southern Italy regions such as Sicily, where this group is quite strong.
Mafia history
It is during the sixteenth century AD that the group said to have formed for opposing Spanish rule. In the Mediterranean, the largest island is Sicily and hence, has influenced several countries to conquer and invade it for making most of its riches. The conquering party had often enslaved the local people and treated them inhumanely. It is in such circumstances that the mafia was born, which had offered the oppressed civilians with stability, protection and a sense of ‘pride’. The group’s vendetta is said to have become the justice system of Sicily and the ruling body was not approached by anyone for assistance.
Continuous invasions by the foreigners had left Sicilians with a feeling of mistrust, helplessness and range at local government. It was their belief that the government instead of helping them out only made things all more difficult and miserable. It is because of this that Mafia’s Omerta golden rule was born. It went on to become an unwritten law for keeping out the government out of private affairs. The government was no more consulted and crime was considered to be personal, while justice was achieved through personal vendetta and vengeance.
The worst stain possible on manhood was to be accused of being an informant. It was the duty of each and every individual to have his manliness proved by not trying to redress personal grievances to the legally constituted authority. If the person is victimized by someone, then he is anticipated to have his revenge taken by himself or to find a patron to get it done on his behalf. At that time, it was regarded to be shameful for betraying one’s worst and deadliest enemies to authorities. It was a serious case for breaking the Omerta Code, where the mafia is concerned. In such cases, the informant could be led to assassinations by the group.