Why Stealing Is Wrong – Essay Sample
Stealing is one of the main problems affecting businesses around the world. About 2% of the total sales of businesses are lost to this shocking crime. It has been proven that about 30% of workers plan to steal from their employers long before they are employed (Buss, 2010).
Though the employees may gain wealth in the act, morally, they lose a lot and may lose their jobs. Stealing by employees or any other person is wrong because it hurts others, leads to high costs, which are then passed on to the consumers, and is a risky act for the thief and others.
Stealing is taking procession of another person’s property and using them as one’s own. The properties, in this case, include both tangible property and intangible materials such as ideas. Stealing takes various forms depending on the one committing the crime, the time stealing takes place, and how the crime is carried out. Examples of forms of stealing include robbery, shoplifting, looting, and mugging.
The Main Reasons Why Stealing is Wrong
The first reason stealing is wrong is because it causes suffering to those who lose their property. Not only does stealing lead to physical harm to the affected person, but it also leads to emotional suffering. For example, when valuable items are stolen, the owner is always left in a state of mental anguish.
The second reason why stealing is wrong is because it leads to huge losses to a business. For instance, Buss noted that employee stealing has risen to $ 120 billion annually. This has the effect of increasing production and maintenance costs. The business owners have to pass on the added cost to the consumers. Therefore, stealing is wrong because it ends up hurting unsuspecting consumers. In addition, the cost incurred by the company in trying to curb stealing is an expense that can be done if all realize that stealing is wrong.
Stealing harms thieves, employees, and consumers (Newswire, 2006). For example, a thief might attempt to steal electronic equipment. In the process, an accident may occur, hurting many, including those who were not involved in the robbery. Stolen property is, in many cases, not checked for quality. Using such properties can be life-threatening, so stealing should be discouraged.
Lastly, one will always feel guilty if he or she is in the procession of a stolen commodity. One may not be able to use the item. Further, being in the procession of stolen property might lead to serious legal effects on a person. One may even spend some time in jail depending on the property stolen. As a result, one affects his or her career, family, and life because of something he or she might never use because of guilt.
Psychological and Societal Impact of Stealing
Stealing, a seemingly individual act of crime, casts a long shadow over society, eroding the trust that binds communities together. The ripple effects of theft extend beyond the immediate loss of property, fostering a climate of suspicion and guardedness. Businesses increase security measures, communities grow wary of strangers, and an atmosphere of distrust pervades, stifling the open exchange of goods and social interactions vital for a thriving society.
Psychological Effects on Victims
Victims of theft bear not just the brunt of material loss but also suffer significant psychological trauma. The violation of personal space and the loss of items with sentimental value can lead to feelings of vulnerability and a profound sense of insecurity. For many, this trauma manifests in long-term mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting their daily lives and sense of well-being long after the physical items have been replaced or forgotten.
Psychological State of Perpetrators
Understanding the psyche of those who steal is complex. Various factors, including socio-economic pressures, a sense of entitlement, or a lack of moral and ethical guidance, can drive individuals to commit theft. The aftermath for the perpetrator is often filled with guilt and the constant fear of being caught, which can lead to a stressful and anxious existence. For some, this path may spiral into a cycle of crime, further entrenching them in a life of wrongdoing and affecting their mental health, social relationships, and future opportunities.
Impact on Community Relations
Theft can also deepen social divides and exacerbate tensions within communities, particularly when certain groups are disproportionately suspected or victimized. It challenges the community’s ability to maintain an inclusive and supportive environment, often leading to stigmatization and isolation of individuals or groups. However, community-led initiatives and preventive measures can play a pivotal role in bridging these divides, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and support for preventing theft and rehabilitating offenders.
Societal Norms and Prevention
The fight against stealing is not solely a matter of law enforcement but also a question of societal values and norms. Educating individuals about the ethical implications of theft, coupled with nurturing a strong moral compass from a young age, is crucial. Communities that support their members through economic hardships and provide opportunities for personal development tend to witness lower theft rates. Effective prevention strategies also include restorative justice programs, which focus on reconciling the offender with the victim and the community, and initiatives to create economic opportunities to reduce the temptation or necessity to steal.
The psychological and societal impact of stealing underscores the need for a holistic approach to addressing this issue – one that goes beyond punitive measures to encompass education, community support, and rehabilitation. By fostering environments where individuals are supported and ethical behaviors are valued, societies can mitigate the factors that lead to theft and work towards healing the rifts caused by such acts, ultimately leading to stronger, more cohesive communities.
In conclusion, stealing is wrong because it hurts both the victim and the thief. In addition, stealing also affects the consumers negatively when the cost of the goods lost through theft is passed on to them. Conversely, measures taken to minimize costs due to theft are also very costly to an organization. To make matters worse, most of the products stolen are not used because of the guilt felt by the thief. Therefore, there is no need to steal as it only leads to the emotional suffering of the victims.