Medically speaking, kleptomania is "an obsessive impulse to steal regardless of economic need, usually arising from an unconscious symbolic value associated with the stolen item." That is not what happened today at the Grub Kitty.
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A man attempted to steal some food. He was apprehended until the police arrived, which was rather fast. This all happened as I entered the store. When I left the two officers were escorting the man out in handcuffs.
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The man was stealing food. Items of necessity that he apparently thought he needed, but was unwilling or unable to pay for. He was not stealing the most recent issue of TV Guide or some useless item. Visually his "economic" need appeared reasonable. I'm not saying it was right. Just that he seemed in need. And don't take any of this as pity for the guy because it was a stupid thing to do. He's an adult and should know better.
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Now, this is what I don't understand, and maybe you can help me. People in the check-out lines were saying that it's sad. Even the cashier said it was sad, to her. They didn't mean the situation was "sad," as in pathetic. They meant "sad," as in emotion. I said the situation was unfortunate, not sad. The looks I got were evil. *Lucky for them I didn't get ugly, but I was about to.* Then the lady-cashier on the other side said, "I don't feel sorry for his dumb ass, he had it coming!" The grumbling ensued and I just got myself out quickly. So what do you think? Was the situation sad or unfortunate? Or is there a better word for it.
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Maybe I should have titled this blog as "shop-lifting," but Kleptomaniac is more eye-catching.
2 comments:
i would have had to be there... but if he was taking food and not beer or wine or cigs... then it is sad that he could not afford it... granted, if he stood out on any corner in richmond these days (would have to get up early to get a good spot) he might get some money from people and be able to pay for it... we dont know his situation, but it is sad when people steal to eat...but at least now he will get three square horrible meals until court date with court appointed attorney and then jail time again... then thrown back on street again... and so on and so on...
What is sad is how that store will probably throw away plenty of good food that is past it's freshness date. My hubby is in the restaurant business and they waste a lot of good food for the same reason.
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