Hello everyone! Today, we’re diving into a surprisingly heated topic that’s taken the internet by storm: the shopping cart conundrum. It’s a question that’s sparked fierce debate and even some backlash online. So, where do you leave your cart at the end of your grocery trip? Let’s explore this story and the uproar it has caused.
Meet Leslie Dobson, a clinical and forensic psychologist from Los Angeles, who recently shared her stance on this issue in a video that’s gone viral on TikTok and Instagram. Her candid confession—that she doesn’t always return her shopping cart—has racked up over 11 million views and stirred up quite the controversy.
In the video, Leslie bluntly states, “I’m not returning my shopping cart and you can judge me all you want. I’m not getting my groceries into the car, getting my children into the car and then leaving them in the car to go return the cart. So if you’re going to give me a dirty look, f— off.” This bold statement unleashed a torrent of reactions, with some labeling her as an “entitled mom” and “lazy,” while others questioned why she doesn’t take her kids with her to return the cart or lock the car with them inside.
The criticism was swift and harsh. One Instagram user commented, “Oof this is embarrassing for you. It’s said that returning the cart is a litmus test of sorts, and girlie, you failed…” But Leslie defended her stance, emphasizing that her primary concern is safety, not laziness. She explained that if a parking lot feels unsafe for her or her children, she prioritizes their well-being over returning the cart.
Despite anticipating some backlash, Leslie was taken aback by the sheer volume of anger and judgment her video received. In an interview with The Times, she revealed that she’s even received death threats. Her goal, she said, was to spark a conversation about the importance of women prioritizing their safety.
“If you feel unsafe, the important thing is to trust your intuition and protect yourself and your loved ones versus a societal norm or a judgment that may come your way,” Leslie explained.
The debate touched on the “shopping cart theory,” which suggests that a person’s moral character can be judged by whether they return their cart. Some commenters defended Leslie, arguing that returning carts or leaving them in designated corrals could take jobs away from employees tasked with retrieving them.
In a follow-up video, Leslie shared alarming statistics to underscore her point. “Last year, 265 children were abducted in parking lots in America. Half of those were sexually assaulted. As a single mom returning your shopping cart, you are prime for a predator to watch and grab you.” While these figures stirred more debate, they highlight the genuine fears that some parents face.
Leslie clarified that aside from times when she feels unsafe, she always returns her cart and even helps others with theirs. The intense reaction to her video showcases how a simple act like returning a shopping cart can ignite discussions about safety, societal norms, and personal responsibility.
So, what do you think? Should safety concerns override the expectation to return a shopping cart? Let’s keep the conversation going and remember to respect each other’s perspectives. Stay tuned for more engaging stories and debates!
