Where Are Your Morals Now?

[William Draven]

Since morals and ethics are hot topics right now, here's a little situation to ponder.

If you had to use your sleight of hand for survival as a means of connig (or out right stealing) people out of money, food, etc would you do it?

 

[Morgan B]

Yes. Anyone that says different is a liar.

 

[canadamagic]

I agree, if it is for means of survival. What is the point of morals if you're dead. It sounds bad but it's the facts.

 

[RealityOne]

Since morals and ethics are hot topics right now, here's a little situation to ponder.

If you had to use your sleight of hand for survival as a means of connig (or out right stealing) people out of money, food, etc would you do it?

The problem with that question is it assumes away any choices except doing somthing that is considered morally wrong or dying. It creates a choice that isn't realistic. I think that is what is commonly termed a "loaded question."

My answer is that I would use my slight of hand skills to busk for money.

 

[knowledge]

You could ninja spring grab money out of peoples pockets!

 

[Sir FansAlot]

I wouldn't do it. You're basically asking if we'd become criminals if we had to. It is the epitome of Morals, that being what society deems right/wrong. Stealing is the prime example. How would you like it if some poor guy stole from you?

 

[Ola]

I most definately would.
Eat or be eaten.

I would not be as direct as pickpocketing, but a little con - sure, to survive.

People can be conned and still be happy about it, as long as you tell what you're about to do.
I told a group of men in a bar I was performing for that I could hustle them for all their money in poker, they wanted to see it, I hustled them, they gave me their money, and had a great time.

 

[Sir FansAlot]

I most definately would.
Eat or be eaten.

I would not be as direct as pickpocketing, but a little con - sure, to survive.

People can be conned and still be happy about it, as long as you tell what you're about to do.
I told a group of men in a bar I was performing for that I could hustle them for all their money in poker, they wanted to see it, I hustled them, they gave me their money, and had a great time.

Eat or be eaten? Jesus, it's not like we live in the jungle. Everyone felt good about you taking their money because they all agreed to the proposal. The OP is talking about stealing to survive which is completely different. It is all the same anyhow. Just because you caught some morons at the bar doesn't make it right.

 

[Steerpike]

Desperate people do desperate things. This is a fact. As overly simplistic as the question is, it does illustrate a point that those who scream the loudest about their moral superiority are very uncomfortable with reality.

The brighter the picture, the darker the negative.

 

[visualartist]

I wouldn't do it. You're basically asking if we'd become criminals if we had to. It is the epitome of Morals, that being what society deems right/wrong. Stealing is the prime example. How would you like it if some poor guy stole from you?

If he's poor I wouldnt blame him. Because oh HE'S POOR!!
Instead of condemning the man id try to help him out if i were to catch him.

To answer the OP I already do. I cheat rich men at poker games for the fun of it.
If a man isnt smart enough to hold on to his money then he doesnt deserve to have it. My family and I are in debt but I dont use the money for that. I donate it to charity water which i have been supporting for over a year. I urge you guys to do the same.

 

[Justin.Morris]

If he's poor I wouldnt blame him. Because oh HE'S POOR!!
Instead of condemning the man id try to help him out if i were to catch him.

Well, this situation is basically justifying criminal actions. "It's okay, he felt he needed to do it" Well if that is true (that we shouldn't blame them), then a lot of the people in our jails should go free.
The ends don't justify the means.

If I was in said hypothetical situation, I would use my abilities for good, not evil, to make a buck. There is always a choice.

 

[Steerpike]

If I was in said hypothetical situation, I would use my abilities for good, not evil, to make a buck. There is always a choice.

It's nice to speculate, but do you question that desperate people do desperate things?

 

[Cedric Taylor]

Since morals and ethics are hot topics right now, here's a little situation to ponder.

If you had to use your sleight of hand for survival as a means of connig (or out right stealing) people out of money, food, etc would you do it?

the human flesh side of me says yes....in a heartbeat....but the Christian side of me says no....i'm faithful to my religion and i would have to side with that....

so there you have it no......good question though.....

 

[Sir FansAlot]

It's nice to speculate, but do you question that desperate people do desperate things?

Yes they do. But they are not us. Right bro?

 

[Steerpike]

Yes they do. But they are not us. Right bro?

They could be. That's the thing. When you're starving, you find a way to eat. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy to talk about our moral character or our good religious virtues. But the sad thing is that honor and Jesus don't have any nutritional value.

 

[chrystal baller]

I honestly think I would busk instead of stealing. Although, If I were that down on my luck that stealing would even be an option i may have sold my busking things by then... Who knows. I have heard that professional beggers can make six figures in Chicago. I would probably sit there with a sign that reads "Family killed by ninjas, Need money for karate lessons"

 

[visualartist]

They could be. That's the thing. When you're starving, you find a way to eat. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy to talk about our moral character or our good religious virtues. But the sad thing is that honor and Jesus don't have any nutritional value.

Morally and religously we are supposed to help our poor and hungry.
No one does that.
So what else are they supposed to do? I dont blame them for stealing because of hunger or becausee they are cold at night struggling to feed their families.

 

[visualartist]

then a lot of the people in our jails should go free.
The ends don't justify the means.
.

Thats a weak argument and you know it.
Mainly because most of them dont do what they do to SURVIVE.
Thats we are are talking about. All other intentions of a crime have nothing to do here.

 

[Ola]

Eat or be eaten? Jesus, it's not like we live in the jungle.

Expression only, but if I were to starve unless I got their money somehow - I would try my best to get them.

The OP is talking about stealing to survive which is completely different.

He also mentions conning, not only stealing.
I would con people, much like I've done before, but all in a form people would agree to.
Stealing is a different matter, I would not steal money, as long as other cons were available.

 

[KeoSilver]

Not going to lie, I conned a few people doing three card monte in Hawaii for a quick buck to ride the bus. I didn't feel like walking half way across an island to get home.

My answer is yes, if I had to survive that way then so be it. "It's a hard knock life."