Women and the mafia

CNN: Ex-cop: Child prostitution marks new low for mafia

...Which of course just seems so ironic, as organized crime is pretty low to begin with. According to this article, the infamous Gambino crime family has now segued into child prostitution. Apparently, the mafia was running an underaged sex trafficking ring, along with its various other exploits (drugs, murder, etc.). The biggest shocker, though, was the identity of one of the accused- a woman, Suzanne Porcelli. The article makes note of what a big deal this is- the mafia is one of the last remaining 'boys only' institutions. The fact that a woman was high enough up in the ranks to be charged with running a prostitution ring seemed to be the second most important thing in the article. Despite the atrocious nature of her supposed crimes (after all, innocent until proven guilty), one thought kept coming up in my mind: Hooray for feminism?

In all rational thinking, this would not appear to be the logical thought. However, look at it this way: a woman has finally broken into the ranks of one of society's oldest and most gendered institutions (despite the fact that this organization is responsible for murders, drug trafficking, prostitution, and then some).  One particular part I found interesting was this quote from a former NYPD officer:

"...never has there been any case where a female becomes an influential person in mob operations, because it's seen as men's work, something that women and children should be protected from and kept out of."

Through twisting words and implications (and believe me, I'll be doing a lot of that in this post), Suzanne Porcelli's role can be seen as a woman breaking into the man's world, proving that a woman can do "men's work" just as well as a man can.  I suppose this can actually be backed up by the fact that she was running a sex trafficking ring (something that usually only men are heard to do) and got arrested with the rest of the crime family and associates.  You go girl, succeeding in a man's world! [1]

The downside to this, of course, is her prominently anti-female action of engaging in child prostitution and sex trafficking.  As a woman, she should understand how wrong that is.  If a woman wants to engage in prostitution of her own accord, I say go for it.  I have my own views on prostitution, the women that enter into the trade, and the emotional/psychological impact of it, but they are grown women and can make decisions on their own (even if they may be wrong).  However, a child is not mentally, emotionally, or psychologically capable of making those decisions.  Also, forcing someone into prostitution regardless of age is just wrong.  It's an assertion of control over something that doesn't belong to you- decisions regarding sex should only be made by the persons actually engaging in the activity, not by some external third party.

I guess it's good that the mafia does (or at least did, before this all broke) have some standards.  Honor among thieves and whatnot.  So can they go back to leaving the women and children out of this?  Especially the children who are female.  Thanks.

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[1] This sentence should of course be taken in a partly sarcastic light, as I certainly cannot condone any actions of anyone associated with organized crime, or really crime in general.