2008, The Year of the Original Gangster (OG) Part 1

This post shall be my attempt to make mockery and sense of the new type of Gangster that was ushered in during 2008.

Hip hop, youth culture, and to some extent old school culture elevates the status of the "Gangster." Every subculture defines "Gangster" differently. Please reference the table below for various uses and meanings of the term Gangster.

The use of the term gangster usually invokes fear, excitement, or reverence. However comfortable or uncomfortable we are as a society with the definition or use of the word Gangster, 2008 has been a record year for the "Gangster." The Gangster of 2008, has helped to redefine the term "Gangster" by taking unprecedented actions that only a true Original Gangster (O.G.) can do. The actions of the 2008 Gangster have shaped our lives so much that when Time Magazine recognizes its "Man of the Year," they should do a segment honoring "Gangster of the Year."

Please allow me to explain by first giving you the list of Original Gangsters for 2008 and allow me to briefly explain why each is in the elite class of "Gangsterism" and the ties that bind. The explanations will come in part 2 of this series.


Original Gangsters of 2008 (not in order)

1. Sara Palin & John McCain
2. Barack Obama
3. Hank Paulson
4. Jon Paulson
   
5. AIG
6. The guy that threw a pair of shoes at President Bush
7. Bernard Madoff, $50 Billion Ponzi Scheme
   
8. O.J. Simpson
9. Mumbai Terrorists
10. Foreign Oil producers
    
11. Jeremiah Wright
12. Dick Fuld, Chairman of Lehman Brothers
    
13. CEOs of the Big 3 Auto Manufacturers
14. The "Repo Man"
15. Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich

Subculture	Various Meanings & Uses of "Gangster"
Football	Gangster could mean a hard hitting tackle, interception, or a kick off return by Reggie Bush
Finance	Gangster could mean a hostile corporate takeover or a hard nosed boss that would take money from a three year old.
In the Hood	Gangster could mean a drive by shooting or bank robbery.
Old School	Gangster could mean doing business like Al Capone or infamous crime bosses.
Hip Hop	Gangster could mean a narrative that "fantasizes" about the life of crime for entertainment purposes. It could also refer to the size of a great record deal that an artist scored. Gangster could describe the characteristics of an expensive car.
Youth Culture	Gangster could mean a term of endearment or an adjective to describe something "Gangster."