Understanding People
Art Linkletter had a popular segment on his radio and television programs long ago, where children would be asked questions on life topics, with responses often innocently comedic. It was called “Kids Say the Darndest Things”.
Unfortunately, more and more these days, there’s a corollary: “People Do the Darndest Things”.
Witness actions taken in New York City after the Knicks won the NBA title. I’ve never understood rushing to the streets and setting vehicles on fire to celebrate your team winning, but that’s apparently customary in these big cities.
They had a massive victory parade for the team, as is also customary, and fans of all types showed up, most decked out in the team’s familiar orange and blue colors.
Apparently the Department of Sanitation got into the spirit, and had some trash baskets created in the same orange and blue color scheme. They were placed outside on the streets, along the parade route.
That was too tempting a topic for one woman, who—dressed head to toe in Knicks gear—decided that would make a nice addition to her home or office, so she literally dumped the trash out of it onto the street and walked away with her new souvenir.
Of course the whole thing was captured on security video, and since she had a distinctive look even without the team clothing, was quickly identified as an executive handling DEI for JPMorgan Chase. Once the company saw the video, she became an ex-employee. Once she was identified, she was charged with littering and impeding sanitation department operations, paying fines of $175.
And to top it all off—she didn’t even get to keep the can.
Just in case you have similar ideas, the official outfitter of New York City is now selling replica wastebaskets online for $168…conveniently just under the amount of the fine for stealing one.
Once again, I truly do not understand people…because People Do The Darndest Things.
