I see many reaction around the indulgence towards pickpockets you can read in the article.
It reminded me about Vidocq, that at some point in his memories denounce the behavior of high society towards thieves that, he says, could even ask police to get a thief out of prison to let him demonstrate his skills to amuse guests for an evening.
Thieves were glamorized and victims were seen as fools by a great deal of society. Until one of those would be a victim himself.
It's not new, and more visible in cruder societies of the past, and I suspect it finds its roots in the very common, and almost reflex, respect given to ones that can show great dexterity and cleverness. Which is totally lost when brutality is involved, tools of the lesser mind. Well, except for war, where you can find respect even if violence is involved.
It reminded me about Vidocq, that at some point in his memories denounce the behavior of high society towards thieves that, he says, could even ask police to get a thief out of prison to let him demonstrate his skills to amuse guests for an evening.
Thieves were glamorized and victims were seen as fools by a great deal of society. Until one of those would be a victim himself.
It's not new, and more visible in cruder societies of the past, and I suspect it finds its roots in the very common, and almost reflex, respect given to ones that can show great dexterity and cleverness. Which is totally lost when brutality is involved, tools of the lesser mind. Well, except for war, where you can find respect even if violence is involved.