How far will you go to save money?
A few days ago, I came across an article that led me to the University of Queensland student magazine, Semper Floreat. The title of the piece?
The Subtle Art of Shoplifting
It is not a very long article, but it is literally a "how-to" for shoplifting, with tips and tricks and best practices thrown in. But what is interesting, is that besides the title, they don't actually mention "shoplifting" and instead use a made-up euphemism to distance the illegality of it.
"Frifting"
Yeah - free shopping.
Brought to you by, a Gen-Z redefinition of reality.
The justifications are interesting to say the least.
‘Frifting’ (free shopping) is a legitimate action for the working class to take in ongoing class war. Staying above the poverty line, for many, is a full-time job.
How about.... ummm... getting a job?
Be sure to target large corporations and not “ma and pa” joints, take what you need, and even what you can (giving to others in need), or at least turn a blind eye.
Lols. Steal for others - how very Robin Hood!
Semper Floreat does not endorse illegal activity, but recognises that breaking the law is sometimes a human right.
I agree. But is this really where the battle is fought? I don't think so.
I am all for breaking the law in some respects, but I don't think that this approach is going to have the desired effect - it isn't a class war at all - with University of Queensland being filled with some of the more privileged of Australian society. But more than that, it creates a resentment in the community, as the shining light of entitlement illuminates through and indicates the future.
When times get tough, steal.
Assuming that these students who are going to become professional business people, lawyers, doctors and whatever else UQ students study, what does it say about how they are going to operate in their future? University students aren't 14-year-olds stealing candy under peer pressure or for thrills, they are adults. This also means that if caught, they will get convicted of a crime.
Worth it?
Ah.. but it is a "human right" - right?
Breaking the law is not a right, it is something we can do and, I strongly agree that it needs to be done quite often to rail against the establishment in a bid to improve conditions - but frivolous criminality like shoplifting isn't the way to do it. At least in my opinion. Instead, all this does is increase the likelihood that the shops will further increase prices, justifying "stock shrinkage" as the cause, laying blanket blame on the students for the blanket punishment, whether it is a reason or not.
What makes this worse is that while they are encouraging theft, there are plenty of jobs available for students to do, so they wouldn't have to steal. But, that is too much effort for the entitled who believe they have the right to what they need and want, regardless of what they do to get it.
I was reading some article mentioning some "influencer" who was telling people a "hack" for cafés, where she would take her own avocado to cut onto her morning eggs on toast to save money. That isn't a hack, that is just bad fucking manners. If you can't afford to pay for the avocado, go without or how about, not go to the bloody café where you are paying 15 dollars for some eggs, a apiece of bread and a coffee.
Her defense?
But I don't want to cook eggs at home!
Fucking hell....
I am someone who actually defends shoplifting, because I would do it under certain conditions also - like if I had a very hungry daughter, zero money and no opportunity to get food any other way. But, it would be a last resort - because I am an adult and take responsibility for my actions and, for my conditions. These people seem to think that they have no part to play in their current conditions, that there is no option left but to beg and steal. And if this is what they think...
God help us all for when they get into business.
If they get into business.
More and more, companies are becoming cautious of younger employees, opting instead to pay more to older, as they have been burnt by entitlement far too many times and the work ethic can be appalling. This is both a detriment to others who are trying and an opportunity, because while the barrier might be higher, those who are able to prove themselves to an organization have a massive amount of room to move and, they can move quickly, as the older positions retire and move, because they are in demand.
Experience is valuable.
And it is also costly and unfortunately, much of the experience with younger generations isn't good. Eventually though, they are going to take control of business and economy, but with what they are exhibiting so far - those who are still around, are all going to be screwed, since so few of them know how to take responsibility for themselves, let alone for others.
We live in an increasingly strange and surreal world that one day, if we survive it, future us will look back on these times and say - what the fuck.
Go frift yourself.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]