By Zariah Walker
In California, getting caught stealing a $5 box of cereal equates to a misdemeanor that is punishable by a maximum of three years probation, up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1000. If a person cannot afford a $5 box of cereal to feed their children or themselves, how are they supposed to afford a $1000 fine, as well as missing 6 months of work from a job that doesn’t pay enough for them to buy a $5 box of cereal?
The punishment for petty theft can be disproportionate to the crime itself due to the fact that it can lead to long-term consequences for individuals who may already be in vulnerable positions. How is one to survive if the cost of living keeps increasing while wages remain stagnant? It is unfortunate that individuals have to choose between stealing or starving. No one should have to face such difficult circumstances. It is important for Los Angeles to work towards creating systems and support networks that can help individuals in need, providing them with resources and opportunities to overcome these challenges.
I am an MSW student at USC working directly with the unhoused and improvised population that tend to be engrossed in these types of inequalities more often than none. Many people result in committing acts of petty theft for their basic needs as a response to poverty that has been constructed and maintained by the systems currently in place. Most people that are affected by the harsh punishment of petty theft, come from marginalized communities who have been abused, used, and forgotten by the government for generations. It seems as though the systems in place do not take into account the underlying reasons why someone may resort to theft. We need to address the root causes, such as poverty or lack of access to resources, which could be more effective in preventing such crimes.
As a community, it is important for people to know that the implications of poverty is a collective issue, not an individual issue. I believe that a more compassionate and effective solution lies in the implementation of a comprehensive anti-poverty program that prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration. Los Angeles County is home to a diverse population facing various socio-economic challenges, and it is imperative that our community responds with empathy and innovative strategies.
The overall goal of the government is to ensure order, protect citizens’ rights, and promote the overall well-being of the community. Of course no government system is perfect, however the misuse of public funds, corruption, and policies perceived as unjust or exploitative are not uncommon within the current systems in place. For example, taxation issues where certain tax policies disproportionately burden specific income groups, contributing to wealth inequality. Hidden taxes like fees, fines, and indirect taxes may be seen as hidden ways the government collects revenue, impacting individuals differently. Personally, I would rather have the options to choose that my taxes go towards a better education system and resources for struggling families, than funding a genocide in another country where I’ve never been. Another ploy is corruption and misuse of funds where public officials misuse funds for personal gain, which can erode trust in the government. In addition to that, wasteful spending may point to instances of inefficient or wasteful government spending as a form of stealing resources from the public. Imagine a world where that wasteful spending is put towards better monetary policies that goes directly to imporveshed commnities in Los Angeles.
Certain monetary policies can contribute to inflation, diminishing the purchasing power of individuals’ savings. Due to the prices rising exponentially, people are not able to afford the same goods and services as before. Inflation has disproportionately affected those on fixed incomes or with lower wages, making it harder for them to keep up with rising costs. Overall inflation in Los Angeles has created financial challenges that have impacted the quality of life for the people who reside here tremendously. This is a major issue that must be addressed and if there is a refusal to increase wages there should be a refusal to increase goods and services.
We are currently in one of the worst economic crises witnessed in years and I believe that the local government is not doing enough to aid individuals during this time. We must develop better initiatives that promote financial literacy, job skills training, and educational advancement. By addressing the underlying issues contributing to poverty, we can empower individuals to build a sustainable and secure future. Ensuring that participants have access to essential social services, including healthcare, housing assistance, and mental health support is crucial in this economy. In order to move towards positive change, we must deconstruct and rebuild a more equitable system where more people can thrive and not have to steal for survival.
A holistic approach is essential to addressing the multifaceted challenges that individuals in poverty often face. Fostering a sense of community by involving local residents, organizations, and volunteers in the program to have better community support plays a vital role in the success of any anti-poverty initiative. By implementing a comprehensive anti-poverty program, we can create a more just and compassionate society that addresses the root causes of poverty and supports individuals in rebuilding their lives.
I would suggest that Los Angeles establishes more community centers that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment when an individual gets caught stealing for their basic needs. These centers can offer counseling, job training, and educational programs to address the root causes of poverty and provide individuals with the tools they need to break the cycle. We also should look into forging partnerships with local businesses to create job opportunities for program participants. Personally, I do not condone stealing from small businesses or mom and pops shops who operate on a smaller scale and rely heavily on their earnings to sustain themselves and their families. Small businesses are an essential part of local communities, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. By stealing from them, it can disrupt their operations, potentially leading to job losses and negatively impacting the community as a whole.
I am not condone stealing, nor am I justifying well off people who steal from for the thrill. However, I highly encourage people to really analyze and unpack the things we have been socialized to believe is normal that has been deeply embedded within us. I understand that it is a privilege to be aware of the inequities that plague our systems and 500 years of oppression can not be solved by one anti-poverty program. But, I do believe by focusing on prevention and support rather than punishment, we can work towards a more impactful and effective system. Instead of penalizing individuals for theft related to basic needs like food, we should consider redirecting that energy and potential towards positive change through better anti-poverty programs that prevent hunger and homelessness from being a reality.
Resources for people struggling with putting food on the table: