NYT Interviews Millennials Advocating Theft as Protest
The New York Times recently featured a conversation with two young communists who view theft as a moral imperative aimed at undermining the wealthy.
In a segment titled “The Opinion,” NYT Culture Editor Nadja Spiegelman interviewed political commentator Hasan Piker and writer Gia Tolentino. She mentioned that their discussion reflects a concept she referred to as “micro-predation,” where young Americans justify stealing small items from large companies as a means of survival or as a way to retaliate against the exploitation by wealthy corporations.
The 30-minute chat kicked off with Spiegelman posing various scenarios about the implications of being allowed—or not allowed—to steal. Piker was quite vocal about his views, saying he was all in favor of “piracy,” and he wouldn’t hesitate to steal anything he could. He even suggested that people should engage in more audacious crimes, like robbing banks.
Tolentino admitted to shoplifting from Whole Foods multiple times, arguing that using paywall removers from his workplace is justified and that stealing from big retailers isn’t as serious a moral breach.
Piker supported Tolentino’s stance by noting that these corporations are benefiting from technology, such as automated checkouts, while still adjusting their pricing to account for theft. “I’m all for stealing from big corporations; they take so much from their workers,” Piker asserted.
Spiegelman added a historical perspective, noting that in 1965, CEOs earned 21 times more than average workers, while projections for 2024 suggest that figure could rise to 281 times.
Piker emphasized that there’s a prevailing notion where stealing from poor individuals leads to wealth, while theft from the rich results in jail time. “Wage theft is arguably the most significant form of theft in the U.S.,” he stated.
When Spiegelman raised concerns about potential price hikes at Whole Foods if theft became rampant, Piker brushed off the idea, instead calling for “total chaos” and lauding New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, a socialist advocating for free public transportation and government-owned stores. He reflected on how Mamdani’s actions might signal a broader political awakening among young people.
Interestingly, Tolentino’s family had a complicated history; they were involved in a job agency purportedly aimed at Filipino immigrants. Allegedly, they concocted a plan that led to about $2.75 million in theft, resulting in multiple federal charges, including money laundering and visa fraud. Ultimately, Tolentino’s father pleaded guilty to one count of fraud against the federal government.
Gia Tolentino has pointed out that the program her parents were involved in represents a modern form of institutionalized human trafficking. She noted that while making excuses tied to her parents’ immigrant background, it overlooks their significant power and influence within society.
