The Thoughtful Criminal

Recently, I read a short blurb in the Washington Post Express about a mugger who returned the stolen wallet and cell phone to the victim after the victim divulged that he was unemployed.  The short mention was meant to be humorous I assume but it made me think about our current economic times and criminality. 

At the beginning of this recession, I remember hearing about a rash of crimes that would ensue.  When people lose their jobs, they commit crime was the very basic premise. That did not occur with this widespread recession.  I always wonder what circumstances in a person's life lead them to crime.  Because, at the risk of sounding like a bleeding heart liberal (which I have been called many times and I am not ashamed), I truly believe people are intrinsically good and circumstances in their lives lead them to do bad things, to harm their fellow man.  And this particular case confirms that to me.  Both people in the situation are hurting, the mugger and the victim.  Based on his reaction, I will assume the mugger is in a similar situation or knows people who are, and he is desperate.  He understood the plight of the victim and did not want to victimize him further.

Though I obviously responded to this story in a different manner than intended, it furthered my belief in the good of people.  And warmed my cold, black heart just a little. :-)

Mommie Dearest

Back in the day, I watched Nancy Grace religiously.  Then the Casey Anthony case began and I lost interest.  The wall to wall coverage of every mundane fact made me realize she might just be the "ambulance chaser" as critics have long espoused.  And then came Investigation Discovery, the channel that makes my casual criminologist's heart soar.  One episode of the Wicked Women series was called "When Mothers Kill" or something along those lines.  It was fascinating to say the least.  Yet there has never been a show devoted to daddies killing.  Is it because Mommy is the nurturer and society cannot imagine a woman not loving her children, or *gasp* not wanting them.  I am in no way making light of women who coldly, viciously murder their children, I just wonder why it is a phenomenon that must be singled out?  Everyone is not meant to have children. That goes for men and women.