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The Reign of James Whitey Bulger: Leader of Organized Crime

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Mollykate Rodenbush
Michaela Arguin
Brittany Tainsh

Process Paper
Why we chose this topic:
Before we selected our topic, we brainstormed leaders and made a list. After narrowing down our
list we consulted with local teachers and after discussing their opinions we decided James Bulger
would make a very interesting, and well done project. In addition, we concluded that because
Whitey is a local figure we would have more access to a variety of sources and people whom we
could interview. With a unique topic and a large accessibility to sources we decided to start
researching James Whitey Bulger.
How we conducted our research:
We began our research by using search engines to find credible sources on James Bulger.
Throughout our research the names David Boeri and Shelley Murphy came up often, so we
decided to reach out to them and schedule an interview. From this interview, we were able to
gain information and research different from what we found online. Murphy offered several extra
pieces of literature on Bulger. After finding a few of these books, we read and took notes on
them. All the while, organizing our research on a google document. Once we laid out all of our
research, we began to organize and design our website.
How we created and developed our website:
Before we created our website, we drew it out on a piece of paper. This way we could visually
interpret how we would organize our research on the website. We then went ahead and
experimented with themes for our website. The color scheme of our project also went along with
our topic. For example, the red symbolized the blood of the murder victims and the dark colors
symbolized the criminal activity Whitey took part in. After we had the design aspect of our
website established, we added all of our information to the website. Keeping the word count in
mind, we found quotes from articles and added them wherever we could. From here, we added
pictures and videos to make our website the best it could be. Once our website was completed,
we went back and looked for errors, cut down on words, and asked for the opinions of peers and
local teachers.
How our project relates to the theme:
Our website relates to theme, in several ways. A leader does not necessarily have to be a hero, in
Whiteys case, he is a leader of organized crime. His influence over his gang members and his
role as the boss of the Winter Hill Gang are just small examples that support the statement that
Bulger is a leader. He was also able to rise as a leader when he was offered the job as an FBI
informant. Bulgers legacy is important for several reasons as well. First, he changed FBI
informant policies. Not only did Bulgers legacy impact politics, but it has influenced literature,
music, and entertainment. James Whitey Bulger has become a household name, not only in
South Boston, but in America. He lives on in prison, remembered for his role in the government
and his role in crime.
(484 words)