Shoplifting Celebrated On Line. What’s Up With That?

A while back we reported on a story about the problems of shoplifting in Yakima.  A local Walmart suffered the top 10 losses of all West Coast stores. It's a petty crime that adds up to a fortune in losses. So, if you want another sign that the values-based America you knew is on shaky ground, look no farther than social media.

What you find on the website Tumblr may send your sense of right and wrong tumbling a bit.

Used to be that stealing was not to be celebrated in our society. Last time I checked the eighth commandment still said “thou shalt not steal”.

But the next time you check out tumblr, you might see young women are increasingly flaunting their shoplifted loot with hashtags like #shoplifting or #shopliftinghaul.

That's right -- bragging about taking items without paying for them. Apparently those in the "lifting community" also share tips on stealing, from the best time of year to do it, to what to wear to most convincingly hide stolen goods. In a recent post, a user named Margaux wrote about how it's harder to steal things in the summer because "thick coats, high boots and long sleeve shirts aren't in style."

And it’s not just a lipstick here and some lip balm there. Some users will post photos of hauls worth as much as $2,254. What do you think that does to the price of those items for the rest of us?

So why do they do it?  Psychotherapists suggest people shoplift because of the need to feel significant in respect of getting what they want, and when they want it and some may seek a feeling of empowerment by outsmarting or getting away with something with it.  Some may even use shoplifting as a coping mechanism for some other, much greater negative emotion or trauma.

Whatever the reason, wrong is wrong and in this case a crime. It’s nothing to be celebrated and taught to other viewers!  (Daily Mail)