Dude tries to rob a CVS, but a customer stops him
byu/GrizzlyBearAttack inCringeVideo
Why is this guy such a simp for cvs? Like this corporation really needs the money tf?????
A viral video, capturing a bystander confronting a shoplifter at CVS, has ignited a familiar online debate. One comment, claiming the bystander is a “simp for CVS,” reflects a dangerous oversimplification of the incident and the broader issue of shoplifting. While the question of corporate greed is valid, it misses the bigger picture: why do we, as a society, value upholding the law and protecting basic norms of conduct, even in seemingly minor cases?
To suggest the bystander was motivated solely by concern for a multi-billion dollar corporation’s bottom line is disingenuous. Yes, CVS would lose money if the theft went unchecked, but that’s not the heart of the matter. Shoplifting, regardless of the target, undermines the very foundation of a fair and orderly society. It’s a violation of the social contract we implicitly agree to live by, one that hinges on respecting property rights and upholding the rule of law.
Unchecked shoplifting, even of seemingly insignificant items, creates a slippery slope. It sends a message that stealing is acceptable, eroding the sense of fairness and safety within communities. Imagine if this incident involved a local bakery struggling to stay afloat, or a family-owned convenience store. The impact of theft, irrespective of the size of the victim, ripples outwards, affecting not just corporations but also employees, consumers, and ultimately, the communities they serve.
Framing this issue as a binary choice – protecting a corporation versus condoning petty theft – is a false dichotomy. We can acknowledge the harmful practices of big businesses while still recognizing the importance of individual accountability and upholding basic societal norms. This doesn’t equate to unquestioning corporate loyalty; it’s about recognizing the broader consequences of unchecked theft and the importance of building a society where laws and ethics, not convenience or personal justification, guide our actions.
This is not to absolve large corporations of their responsibilities. Issues like wage inequality, exploitative practices, and economic disparity are genuine concerns. However, addressing these problems requires constructive activism and engagement with the legal and political systems. Boycotts, advocacy for fair labor laws, and consumer awareness campaigns are examples of effective strategies that lead to meaningful change without resorting to criminality.
The viral video offers an opportunity for nuanced discussion, not knee-jerk reactions and reductive labels. Let’s move beyond the “simp” versus “hero” framing and engage in a critical conversation about individual responsibility, corporate accountability, and the importance of maintaining a society built on shared values and the rule of law. It’s not about defending CVS; it’s about defending the principles that hold us all together.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.