It really depends. Each situation varies. One starving man stealing from another starving man or a starving man stealing from a dumpster... each example has it's own set of problems and things to consider. To steal is wrong, even to sustain life. But we view life as more important than a few loaves of bread, so it is justified, for the time being. There are easier ways to feed a family than to steal. State aid, food kitchens, applying for employment, selling things that are not needed or undesired... etc.
There is welfare, food stamps and food banks. There isn't a justification for stealing. Someone else earned and owns what your stealing.
Stealing is always wrong, I think; but there can be mitigating circumstances. (If there weren't such a thing as "mitigating circumstances" courts wouldn't factor it into some cases.)
In the US, I can't see too many circumstances that would mean a parent had no choice but steal in order to fee his/her child/ren. As someone else pointed out, there are food stamps and other programs, and many programs are specifically designed for parents who have minor children in their care. There are also food banks, charity from churches and church organizations, and sometimes programs run by private outfits.
In a conversation I once had from a man in India, though, the man said someone there with no job and no income and no help from family could have little (no) choice but to steal or beg.
So, I suppose where someone lives makes a difference.
I have always been taught to put my family first. I could never see this as being wrong. Times are getting so tough that if it came down to it I would be "all in".
In Western cultures stealing is always seen as morally wrong, perhaps because we live in a materialist society softened by a liberal benefits system. I think that this attitude can often be slightly hypocritical, though. How many of us would help ourselves to a sheet of printer paper in someone's office, or a pencil? But would, at the same time, abhor someone taking food from us?
In other cultures, feeding one's family is seen as the number one responsibility for any parent. Since most people don't own anything worth having in any case, stealing is not seen as morally wrong if it is necessary to keep one's family alive. For instance, I lived for a while in Tanzania, East Africa. There are many tribes in that country who hold stealing as a capital offence. If one of their number steals from another and is caught, he (it is always a he) will be 'necklaced', ie have a car tire placed around his neck and set on fire.
However, if the same man had stolen from a foreigner like me - by local definition, a 'rich man' - then that would be considered perfectly acceptable if it were to feed his family. And I could sympathise entirely with this point of view, even as a victim.
As always, a moral dilemma not easily resolved.
Stealing, technically is wrong. But if my kids, family or my dogs were starving, I wouldn't care about the ethics - I would steal from those who seem to have enough to do themselves and mine. I'd worry about the consequences later.
Stealing is wrong. I think I'd beg for food before I steal. I think you should be able to negotiate with someone regarding food. Even in places where there is no social security.
If your starving you have to eat but it depends. If your starving in you are stealing from a multibillion corporation with CEOs who own 3 yachts and 5 different homes, etc I would have trouble feeling bad for them. If you are starving and steal a morsel of food from another already starving person you should take a look in the mirror because something is wrong with you. Pulling a Robin Hood is good stealing from your brother is heinous.
The act of theft is wrong..........
Stealing to feed your family, is understandable, excusable, but not without punishment.
The OT, even tells us this.
If you are caught stealing 'grain', you are to repay 7fold. It also says , to leave something in the field for the " gleaming".
Having said this: now, let me say this,
There is NO reason ( in the USofA) to steal food.......there are numerous outreach, under the bridge, Fridays at the fairway, programs, in addition to the
tax payer food stamp program.
There are MILLIONS of next door neighbors, who would " set an extra plate at supper".........
If your child in the USofA, is hungry..........it is because, you waited too long to swallow your pride and ask for help.
Stealing, is not an affordable option here. Not for food.
It is always wrong in the eyes of GOD, But I think many people around the world do thi because of poverty...................................
Stealing is wrong, ask first. The if no one is willing to help do what ou need to do. There are may programs in thsi country that could help, many churches, temples food banks etc. I would go there first.
by Cutters 13 years ago
Do you think it is OK for people to steal food to feed their family?
by ChilliWilly 11 years ago
Stealing is immoral, right? But what if stealing was the only way to feed a starving child?
by LensMan999 11 years ago
Is it wrong to steal money from a person who makes money in an illegal manner?What’s your opinion about such an act?
by LensMan999 11 years ago
Can the action of a person who steals to help the poor and starving people be said to be incorrect?Is there something wrong in encouraging such an act?
by Peter Leeper 8 years ago
Stealing to Feed Family Equal in Consequence to Stealing for Greed?If one steals something in order to feed their family should it hold the same consequences is stealing does for those who do it out of greed?
by Oliver Whitham 14 years ago
I recently found that someone on Article Base had (Over two accounts on the same site) taken my content, split it up and placed a paragraph as a lead in to a sales pitch on over 100 articles.I requested that Article base remove this user (Who had over 2000 articles on two accounts) from their...
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