We had to drop into Ikea today to pick up some wooden cutting boards and some candles for the party. Normally going to Ikea for something specific, one leaves with a handful of everything else as well, but we were in and out without a browse, so no temptation. However, we went through the "self-serve" checkout, it flashed yellow and told us to wait for an attendant. When she came, she had to check through our bag to make sure we scanned everything due to a random check.
I know these random checks well.
I get randomly checked every time I go through airport security.
Perhaps it was random.
Likely not.
After we "cleared inspection" my wife said that they have been increasing the random checks recently at these checkouts due to the increasing amount of theft taking place. I have noticed this at the supermarket also, where they have an extra person on duty of late, making sure that people are following the rules. The retail prices have gone up significantly over the last few years and wages have only increased a fraction. It is no wonder that in cost of living crises, more people are going to look for ways to increase their purchasing power.
Ways to increase purchasing power.
- Earn more? Too hard.
- Save more? Too hard.
- Invest more? No way.
- Steal? We have a winner!
It really isn't such a bad strategy, as after all, the governments do it globally through tax and then flaunt their misuse of our money in our faces daily. It is like being carjacked at gunpoint, calling an Uber to get home, and then the uber is the carjacker driving your car, charging you for the trip, demanding a tip, and expecting a five-star rating.
And the police are on their side.
I don't know how dire financial circumstances would have to be to actually steal, but I do get that at the moment, a lot of people are both under monetary pressure, and there is a far less care for consequences. Social behaviour in general has slid with the reduction in human connection and community, so there are far more antisocial actions taking place and petty crimes are on the increase in many areas. As are drug issues, mental health problems, relationship violence and many other undesirable human conditions.
I don't think we are winning as a species currently.
I could be wrong of course and it might just be my perspective on the world, or my narrow vision. Yet, when I take a look around and ask others, they don't seem to be enjoying themselves and seeing others have a great life either. Are we all just blind?
Perhaps.
Hard to say what is "actually" happening in the world, because the information flow is so unreliable because the sources are so untrustworthy, it all becomes nonsensical. Most of us are siloed in our little information bubbles, believing we know what is going on, without recognizing that our self-chosen slice of reality, could be anything but. We feel very confident due to the confirmation bias we feed ourselves, yet, if we really all were so knowledgeable, how come we are mostly struggling?
There are lots of ways to answer and excuse that, but I recon that there is too much complexity to know for sure, and there are too many variables that are outside of our awareness. So, because we don't see it all, we just think that what we don't predict, must just be some random act, like a security check - when it could be the farmer's wife with a carving knife, knowing exactly what she is doing with it.
The decorative mice in the picture were the first Christmas calendar gift today and represent our family. Hopefully for their sake, I am not completely blind.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
The worse life gets, the less scary prison gets. No mortgage, no grocery bills, no power bills. You're only slightly more restricted than people on the outside. Particularly in some of those Scandinavian countries. Anders Brevik is living much more comfortably than a lot of Aussie veterans.
For sure. The Scandinavian system is good in the sense that most can return easily to society, because they were never really locked away in terrible conditions, but it feels "wrong" in some way for the very violent and those who will never rehabilitate.
Was talking about this the other day when people asked what I will do after. At least there is always a warm meal.
I hate to be the resident asshole, but, you know. It's what I do best.
Can you say 'profiling'?
I had a 'random check' at Walmart. I showed my receipt and told him if he wanted to dig in my bags he needed a warrant. There is a really simple answer to the problem. Manned check out lines. You want me to check my own stuff? I'm fine with that. You want to make sure I didn't rip off a green pepper? You provide the check out staff. They have reduced staff 25% with self checkout.
I'm going to stop there. I can feel a serious rant coming on...
Yep. Record retail profits - reducing staff, increasing prices, lower quality experience.
I wonder what they would do if every required a warrant to look?
When flying with colleagues, I tell them never stand behind me at security. :)
Is going to Ikea over there a big deal like it is over here? Like you have to drive several hours to get to a store and then the stores are so big that it's basically a half day excursion to go there. It's more of an event than a quick trip to the store. I know what you mean about people being siloed, but honestly, right now, that feels like the best move. The world is so crazy and things are so odd in the US politically right now that it just feels smarter to keep your head down, mind your own business, and just try to make it through the day!
It used to be! but no, no here now because there is one in this city. Before, it was a "big trip" to Helsinki :D I am glad that you guys know the drill though!
We keep making it crazier. The more we support one side of government without realizing they are all part of the same coin, the worse it will get.
That's interesting to hear about Ikea. I wonder if it is any different in Sweden. Like I would imagine there it's just like running down to the local hardware store or something like that.
The problem is, even if you know that the parties are just a double headed monster, if those around you still think it isn't then it is just as dangerous for you. Still best to just keep your head down.
I think some of the mostly trustworthy news sources are undermined by people claiming them to be fake news and by dictators like Putin using the full force of state propaganda machine to create alternative reality...
Most likely yes. The trust in media has eroded for many reasons, including them no longer being even surface level impartial. But, people are also more "skeptical" without having any thought as to why, other than someone they like telling them.
Reminds me a movie from my childhood.
I wanted to say a classical movie but that would just make me sound oldI haven't thought about that movie in a long time!
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My girl would never let me get away with this. There's no such thing as only a few items to her. She needs a leash in all department stores!
Sounds like the memecoin market!
It is because I kept buying Splinterlands cards for the last 2 years instead of aping into more BTC. REKT!