Theft, Prostitution and Stalking

So today's subject was theft, prostitution and stalking.

Is it wrong to steal? I would have to say that in most cases it would be. However this does not cover all scenarios. Someone in the lecture used the example of an Oliver Twist character, stealing for food and basic neccessities but this sort of situation is relatively rare these days. Stealing has many forms from the simple act of taking something that does not belong to you to promising a trade and then never completing your side of the bargain. Without theft the USSR would not have developed nuclear weapons and the USA would not have got its first faster than sound aircraft. These events have shaped world history, normally escalating military conflict or tension.

So when is it right to steal? Well just about any spy film will have you believe that stealing is okay as long as the right people do it. A villan has stolen something important so an agent goes and steals it back. If you cannot get what you need through the normal channels because of circumstances you can't control is it right to steal? It all depends on your classification of 'need'. If you were caught stealing a basic neccessity like a loaf of bread then people might well understand but if you decide you 'need' bottles of Champagne you are likely to be judged much harsher.

Theft is wrong and most people would only do it if forced to. Society has said that it is so and most people are taught from children that it is not the thing to do.

On to prostitution. If a man has an interest in a woman and pays her attention it is fair for him to expect reciprication. If she doesn't show any interest he will stop trying. Unfortunately men can't read the signs as well as women can and so mis interpret polite chatter for romantic interest. Even so women can read the signs very well and this gives a great amount of power over the situation. It is because of this that it is very much up to the woman to decide when to stop the conversation if things are not going the way she likes. If she continues talking to a man knowing that he thinks they are flirting then she is being manipulative. One of the class members told a story of his work where women let men buy them drinks the entire night and then leave abruptly without saying goodnight or warning. This is blatant deciet and quite hurtful.

Is marriage a form of prostitution? A trade? I would have to say yes. A woman trades the rights for her body for the mans resources. It sounds completely unromantic and is not quite as black and white as it sounds there but that is the general gist of it. That is why men advertise their power and wealth when looking for women and women advertise their bodies. Check any singles column.

In Breakfst at Tiffanys she never promises anything to the man that showers her with gifts but at the same time never breaks the illusion that he could get something. They are both equally to blame for the awkward situation that follows. As for the ninth richest man in America, that just proves my point from earlier. Why do so many women want to marry Prince Harry?

So, stalking. At what point do you become a stalker? Having a concern for someone else is considered normal but taking an exceptional interest in their affairs is an invasion of privacy. I think the best way I can define the line that would have to be crossed is when the person takes an extended and uniterrupted period of not liking your interest. Once this happens I would class that person as a stalker. Again it comes down to body language of both people. I don't think only one person is to blame for stalking incidents, it is a mutual affair.

Eddies