Kleptomania

[brycelaliberte]

This is an essay I wrote for a class (it’s supposed to be short, as an introductory to an issue), and I wanted your opinion. (Just a rough draft) I also thought it would be worth talking about here on CAF. So, enjoy!

Kleptomania

I have a friend, who I shall give the name Greg, who is a closet kleptomaniac. What this means is, he has an inability to resist impulses to steal. He has found it very hard to gain understanding for his mental illness, especially in the midst of those, the majority, of those who steal but are not remotely afflicted with kleptomania.
While he is able to admit the wrong in this, stealing is still a very strong temptation for him, and he works very hard at maintaining abstinence from it. Society calls him to be chaste of theft, and so he works at it.
He also has many arguments with other kleptomaniacs who make it even harder for him to gain understanding in society (he has a support group, which is how he knows others). These other kleptomaniacs, of which there are an increasing number, have been fighting for ‘Klepto’s rights’ as they call them.
The Klepto’s agenda, as Greg explains it, is for kleptomaniacs to gain ‘understanding’ in society and that their affliction be viewed not as a disability. They have been contesting for kleptomania to be officially recognized as not a mental disability by the US government, of which it was made in the 1960’s in the case of California v. Douglas Jones. They would also like to see kleptomania gain full acceptance in society, and that there be no discrimination against them.

Greg’s refutation to common arguments made by kleptomaniacs can be followed in the following (in which argument for the kleptomaniac’s agenda will be given by A, and Greg’s refutation will be given by G);

A. Kleptomaniacs were born that way.

G. Even if they were, and they should be given support for their problem, that does not allow them to steal.

A. It’s only natural for them.

G. As before, they must hold themselves above their temptations, no matter how strong they may be.

A. It’s documented in nature that there are kleptomaniac animals, even species.

G. They are not just animals that must give into their desires, no matter how strong the temptation.

This is just a beginning of his arguments, and he is very well versed in his refutations, of which I have been able to understand. If anyone else has arguments supporting either position, I will gladly listen to them and give my comment on them.

What do you think? Catch my drift?

 

[Christy_Beth]

I believe so. If his support group comes up with that stuff, it isn’t much of a support group!! He needs to be away from those who defend their stealing with such stuff. Good luck!

 

[jmcrae]

Another argument they will come up with is, “Kleptomania does no harm, since those who love the kleptomaniac will pay for the goods stolen. It is a loving and free relationship between the kleptomaniac and his enabler, with no one being forced to do anyhing that they don’t want. Of course, it is inconvenient for the shop-keepers, but they must learn to be more tolerant.”

 

[brycelaliberte]

Another argument they will come up with is, “Kleptomania does no harm, since those who love the kleptomaniac will pay for the goods stolen. It is a loving and free relationship between the kleptomaniac and his enabler, with no one being forced to do anyhing that they don’t want. Of course, it is inconvenient for the shop-keepers, but they must learn to be more tolerant.”

That’s pretty good! Mind if I add that to my essay?

 

[jmcrae]

That’s pretty good! Mind if I add that to my essay?

Go for it.