Corporate Criminality

???? Of white-collar memes and criminogenic dreams, the streams of thought are forever wrought with the vanity of problem-solving themes. From the classical criminology perspective, this discourse unfolds in the endless pursuit of adventures in the pseudosciences. As to that notion, this pertains to the speculative realms of what might be called the "social studies arena" of academia. Wherein a dichotomy of philosophical quests sparks the divide between the real-world practitioner and that of the theory-laden presumptions of academics. With reference to the harsh tones of reality, the practitioner is that of the police officer, as well as other first responders and correctional and military service personnel. It is the world of those who rise to the occasion to volunteer to serve the community and country. Of particular note, with regard to the safe, insulated, and surreal spheres of academia, there are extraordinary metaphysical speculations.

???? Nonetheless, the study of corporate criminality is crucial to understanding the complexities of crime in our society. Included in the forgoing domains are criminology, psychology, sociology, and theology. Social studies infer the endless journey to reveal the final truths about human behavior. Of this, the theories are extensive and often rambling, absent finite concreteness. By contrast, and necessary to the efficacy of evidentiary substantiation, in, say, a court of law, for instance, are the hardcore X-rated real sciences, as in astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics, to name a few. So there, physics versus philosophical conjecture, or quantum mechanics as contrasted with the surreal. Regarding the unreal, that which hides, lurks, and creeps in the dark places of the psyche challenges metaphysical notions as to what really hides there. And, of course, everyone has an opinion. However, the challenge is who listens to whom and what communal implications instigate social control mechanisms.

???? For this writing, the focus is on "corporate criminality", sometimes called white-collar or economic crime. There is an extraordinary pathology of arrogance among the wealthy elite regarding white-collar crime and its implications. Groups, businesses, companies, commercial enterprises, trades, crafts, and governmental and political ventures are encapsulated in the term "corporate". In addition, many aspects of such "non-street" oriented criminalities exist. As the U.S. multi-systems of so-called "criminal justice" tend to focus on "street crimes", the usual FBI UCR Part I offenses, corporate criminality finds safe havens outside of public notice. And no, the is no one "criminal justice system," as many ignorant or con artist politicians might proclaim.

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???? Instead, there are complex multiple systems, including federal, state, local, and territorial systems. Corporate criminality's impact on society is significant and cannot be overlooked. All that to say, the study of successful socially high-end criminals who occupy positions of trust is no different than their street-level counterparts. They are criminals who take advantage of others. Some get caught, but many escape lawful scrutiny and sanction. Meanwhile, the broadly generic misnomer, white-collar crime, stems from a "sociology" construct. Its reference points are typically from academia and express the viewpoint of a sociologist from the 1930's. And, as to that fascination point of conjecture, from the pseudoscience of the "social studies arena", the superficiality of opinion tortures the notion of investigative insight. Psychic torture in the sense of making sense, over time, out of the diverse configuration promulgates for the essential purposes of self-serving aggrandizement.

???? Supposing an all-inclusive posture, physical and spiritual as well, terrorism is the motivation for personal gain. Not to forget, of course, grant funding, peer camaraderie, fame and fortune, and tenure. Images of intellectual cowardice come to mind rather quickly. However, blunt force trauma to the social mainstream ensures that if storytelling persuasively infects social media, some politicians might regurgitate nebulous concepts into public policy. There is the potential and actual threat of dangerousness to a democratic republic. At best, from the sedate enclaves of specious notions, absent the sufficiency of scientific validation, the bastions of collegiate conspiracies embrace the salacious carnality of perpetual self-flagellation. From one college test on the issue of alleged "white collar crime" written by three non-practitioner sociologists, the gist perpetuates the shadowy opinionated perspectives of redundant theoretical dogma. The mention of the gist stems from the portion of the word "sociologist".

???? That is as opposed to a "trist", which is found in another word such as "psychia-trist". The latter, of course, requires a science degree, as in medical doctor. The former reflects writing stuff without the benefit of science and otherwise philosophizing on the subjective validation of confirmation bias. About the preceding limited worldview, albeit securely segregated in the alleged hallowed halls of academia, the essence, or the gist of it all, is biased replication. Regarding the textual reference on the subject, much of the reporting is historical and anecdotal, and it is highly referenced by what others have said over time. From an investigative standpoint, processes, procedures, elementary techniques and tactics, and guidelines for structural interdiction are woefully absent from the chapter-by-chapter commentary.

???? Perhaps the nub or kernel of truth as to the nucleus of defining the meaning of "white collar" crime is to transform the speculation toward an all-encompassing framework. This could be a broader category, such as organized crime.? From the earlier assertion regarding the non-scientific realms of the "social studies arena", using a broader framework of "white collar" criminality includes the spheres of academia. As a textbook study of economic crime pointed out, the encompassing illicit domains also relate to institutional corruption. While one aspect of investigative discovery addresses cost factors of physical and material losses, another dimension draws attention to social detriments. As such, and more than likely the extent unmeasurable, are the frauds, the fictions, and outright scams of bogus educational quackery. Fraud in academia exposes a multidimensional expanse with many typologies. From academic dishonesty to phony misinformation regarding scientific validity, especially in the pseudoscience dominions.

???? Several opportunistic enterprises in the collegiate world of higher education have become possible venues for various scams. The list could include athletics to the "arts and humanities" and administrative operations. Higher ed fraud runs deep. Primarily, it is a surreal infusion of upper-class pretexts to pontificate theoretical albeit unsubstantiated rhetoric. Yet, that is only the beginning point of conjectural genesis as a plasticized reality based on the unreality of limited exposure to real-world criticality. From there, the depths of the psychic iceberg dive into the deep, murky parts of projected illusions. Escaping the safe places and unoffensive non-controversial enclaves of the "social studies arena", mainstream infotainment relishes in the claims of redundant "revelations". Not to be outdone or left out, the "corporate state" rushes to capitalize on the latest nebulous notions. And according to one global research group focusing on economic crimes, the suggestion is that fraud is increasing.

???? In one survey, 5000 participants from nearly 100 locations around the globe were assessed to determine how frequently fraud was encountered in the workplace. More often than not, the frequency of incidents was exactly that: it was frequent. Types, kinds, and categories are many and include everywhere people interact. Fakery occurs at every opportunity, from academia to corporate boardrooms to sanctuaries of faith and political processes. In expressing the "myth of the free market", several researchers assert that while modern "capitalism" fuels profit motivations, so does criminality. An idealized presumption of "laissez-faire" economics reflects na?ve wishful thinking. One college textbook on "white collar crime" illustrates 15 chapters attempting to condense the diverse reality of all deceptive complicities.

???? Surveying from many facets of consumer fraud to destructive exploitation of environmental settings, the variations of scams and schemes remain increasingly inventive. Especially demented is higher ed quackery and deceit. While much time could be expended on the topic of collegiate quackery, the expansive spectrum of corporate criminality plots and schemes incessantly. In the 21st century, this suggests a more extensive and encompassing perspective on economic criminality. Profit continuity as often applies to the areas of organized crime, along with public and private corruption, likewise pertains to many aspects of corporate illegality. From one text reference on white collar crime, the "sociologist" authors, non-practitioner criminologists, purport to explain the reality behind those who "hunt and kill" the financial stability of legitimate business operations. Alternatively, it may apply to defrauding individuals or plundering the material resources of private citizens.

???? Naturally, the insinuation of the "social studies" realm of academia is purposely hinted at. Yet, the offering, in part, describes the many facets of a "Ponzi scheme", which could apply to ever-devolving situations of intentional premeditation by the perpetrators. Collaborating with the vilest intent to defraud and otherwise mutate classic scams into contemporary double-dealing depicts how criminality remains the same over time. At the top of the pyramid, a few get rich, and further down the hierarchy of human purposeful criminality, many get scammed. Where criminals assume their deification is more holy than others, and their entitlement is valued above others, then much interpersonal debauchery is possible. Regardless of the setting, whether convenience store or the stock market, the opportunity target depends on the criminal's cost-benefit analysis. Setting the context to his or her advantage relates to deliberate motivational factors within the spectrum of criminal thinking processes.

???? This falls upon the poignancy of rational choice, by which the criminal freely deduces the subjective validation of self-entitled enrichment at the expense of others. Significantly, major corporate structures, composed of various participants, always possess the probability of illicit and unethical behaviors. Of these potentialities, people are fully capable of anything. As one reference source on corporate crime reflects, a "culture of arrogance" echoes the malice aforethought of the thinking processes of malevolent personalities. It is not the culture that causes crime or even the society around it, as adherents of the "social studies arena" might suggest. On the contrary, it is willfully, purposely, and intentionally the contrivances of individuals working in conspiratorial collaboration who commit crimes.

???? Neither inanimate objects nor conditions and settings cause criminality. Criminogenic factors are solely perpetrated by people choosing to be criminals. Ghosts, goblins, and gremlins are not responsible either. Demonic forces are not interested in personal gain; only humans walk down that path. Whatever philosophy is presupposed as a "scientific" endeavor, there is human selfishness at the end of every moment. A dichotomy could be argued; there may be debatable scales or degrees of self-interest and prosocial selfishness versus antisocial selfishness. Regardless, more often than not, motivational factors within the conscious intentions of human behavior find salacious affinity in the shadowy realms of malevolence. For one national publication that is more than 100 years old, the pursuit of corporate and government illegality continues.

???? Supposedly, its mission is to ferret out all unethical and illegal behavior in both the public and private sectors. Perhaps an assumption could be made that within its news reporting ranks, dishonesty of every sort is ruthlessly pursued as well. In an article addressing illicit behaviors among American corporations, a reporter suggests that white collar is an ever-increasing crime problem. Accordingly, despite regulations, laws, and enforcement mechanisms, American culture is deep in economic criminality, from academia to Wall Street, and not overlooking the seats of governing processes. Of particular note, as recounted by the reporter's public service experiences, is the lackadaisical perceptions of disinterest of some governmental forces. Specifically, as long as it has been known in the law enforcement community, economic crimes are not particularly exciting. For some, it's boring. And, for others, there is operational disinterest in "real-world fraud". Fixation tends to focus on criminality, which is a smaller percentage overall.

???? The historic focus of political processes placed white-collar crime in a spectrum less threatening than street crime. Combined with investigative incompetence, a view that fraud crime is an annoyance, an insensibility to criminal sophistication, and corporate-government collusions, criminal investigation suffers in intensity. Furthermore, as asserted in the ongoing analysis, economic crime prosecutions are alleged to be at an all-time low. Meanwhile, a serious state of corporate criminality sweeps across the country. Wreaking enormous financial havoc, some are reminded of the purposeful economic degradation of the 2008 meltdown. In the advent of the 21st century, one presidential administration after another, following the 1990's, has more or less ignored the pervasive atmosphere of widespread corruption. Data is challenging to assemble and assess, unlike the reporting of "street crimes". Some estimations suggest fraudulent activities have increased by over 50% in the last few years with extraordinary social costs.

???? At the same time, prosecutorial actions have decreased by some 25%. Some studies report a significant surge in consumer victimization, from misconduct in financial institutions to mass marketing fraud schemes. Investigative resources are critical, and they include policy-maker priorities. Similarly, competence is essential. Of the privileged class, the upper echelons of power and wealth, elitist criminal conspiracies of intentional criminality subvert the rest of the populace in billions of annual losses. Who are they, what do they do, and where are they? Interesting investigatory questions strive to invest the necessary resources to comprehend the extent of the criminogenic factors and interdict where possible. According to one national statistical database, depending on definitional criteria, the number of U.S. households with more than $1 million in assets is roughly about 5 million persons. This is a raw guesstimate of about .014% of the U.S. population. Seemingly, a small number of people control significant resources.

???? Population here is calculated using both census and immigration information, which includes those of legal and illegal status. After all, who knows? Regardless, what does that mean? And what follow-up questions might be asked? One is the number of persons living at the poverty level as calculated by federal assessments. As less than 1% had increased wealth in double digits in 2021, those in low-income ranges experienced losses in double digits.? One study suggests that about one-third (33%) of the U.S. population lives near the official poverty line. Meanwhile, the income data for the rest diversify over a broader spectrum. As to the ultra-wealthy, one alleged news service, gathering data from a research institute, offers an additional perspective on what is sometimes called the "ultra-high net worth" individuals. This group is defined as those with a net worth in excess of $30 million and higher. And the U.S. is home to most of those in this socio-economic realm. That is nearly about 2% of the total U.S. population.

???? Additionally, according to the annual report of a major U.S. business magazine, nearly 2,800 billionaires control over $13 trillion in wealth. During the latest pandemic, fortunes increased, while most people lost economic gain. The U.S. has the most billionaires, followed by China in second place. With wealth concentrated among a small percentage of the population, what is the probability of illicit and unethical activities? Well, there is enormous potential for crime and corruption. Predatory swindlers are everywhere, in every nook and cranny, where people gather in any organizational context. In the classical context of criminality, gain minus risk is a hedonistic cost-benefit analysis of willful misconduct. Greed, dishonesty, and deceit are commonplace. Everyone is capable of conning and otherwise taking advantage of his or her situation.

???? While some freely engage in fraud, misappropriation, or bribery for selfish reasons, others make different choices. Yet, higher up the "food chain", where power, influence, and wealth control and otherwise manipulate the surroundings, risks, and restraints are skillfully controlled. What often seems likely, especially to the real-world operator, is that the "upper-world people" appear to escape accountability for their illicit actions. From the extraordinary lavishness of corporate bastions to pretentious pontifications of politicians and pundits, deception never ends, as many con their way through life. How would you defend yourself for the average person, and what would it cost you? The top echelons of society have the resources, wealth, and power, and the influence ensures their insulation. As explanations abound, corrective actions become problematically profound. The implications for equal protection and due process are far-reaching regarding balancing the scales of justice. And, of course, that should come as no surprise.

???? What does the singular well-intentioned person do? One thought is an echo of martial arts training. That is, first, get your own house in order. Second, be satisfied with what you have. And third, ask nothing of anyone. It is for the sake of unevolving cognitive bias in pursuit of the carnality of subjective validation whereby self-serving entitlement unfolds. Fraudulent behavior is rife throughout mainstream culture since humans are very adept at deception. So good are people at fooling others; the fool even fools himself or herself. Even so, as one former prosecutor points out, today's priorities for investigation and prosecution are at an all-time low. Regardless, a deeper framework of conceptual manifestation lurks in the dark areas of human thinking processes and subsequent behaviors that follow. With few exceptions, and there are always exceptions, the vast majority are complicitous in bloated gluttonous consumerism of corporate criminality.

???? From fakes to frauds, from academia to the seats of government, complicity knows no limitations. The human potential for criminality is to gain an advantage over others. Nearly everyone participates somehow and ensures their enslavement or collusion on a diverse interactivity scale. As such, materialism runs amuck, as holiday stampedes over-run the latest "sales scam". As one philosopher of the field of "psychology" attempts to address, society has become a "greedy, materialistic culture". In addition, willfully accepting the so-called "American Dream" and overlooking the illusions of such deception, many embrace the chase of getting more at the cost others must bear. Marketing schemes, corporate incentives, and various seductive allures invite the freely chosen collaboration of an entire country. Especially true is the complicity of foreign enemies who engage in corporate criminality to destroy American culture.