Wealth and Responsibility

[gimmepie]

In light of the Ryan Lochte incident, I can't help but wonder if he wouldn't have done it if he wasn't a famous athlete. So I want to talk about the wealthy/famous/reputable and crime.

Do you think those with wealth can get away with crimes that poorer people normally wouldn't, or that if they are punished they receive lesser punishments? Are the wealthy or famous more likely to think criminal or destructive behaviour is more acceptable or have they learned not to care?

Discuss anything relevant.

 

[Kanzler]

In general yes. People who are wealthy tend to be better educated and have more ties to their community, and that would make them seem more capable of being rehabilitated which I imagine translates to lesser punishment for an equal crime.

 

[Somewhere_]

The wealthy can also afford good lawyers as well, so they can probably get off with lesser punishments or none at all depending on the crime.

 

[Her]

Kanzler nailed it on the head. Wealth gives off an air of respectability/decency that is commonly not afforded to the poor, even when the actions of rich wrongdoers clearly demonstrate that is but a facade. Even public pressure on a case doesn't tend to sway this mindset, though that probably lies closer to blatant corruption if we're being honest.

To add more to the topic, the fact that those responsible for the global financial crisis have almost totally evaded legal responsibility for their actions is mind-boggingly infuriating. That's probably a more potent topic for discussion than general acceptance of the wealthy's ability to sidestep justice.

 

[Esper]

I think there's an element of affluenza in cases like this. Like, if you're wealthy and you've been wealthy (or at least comfortable/privileged) your whole life then you're more used to getting things your way. That means you've got confidence and, for whatever reason, you can get away with more if you're confident. People are hesitant to call out someone who is breaking the rules if they seem confident or give a seemingly plausible excuse.

 

[Centipede Chan]

Wealthy people who are usually in high position of power or some sort of famous recognition usually do go off easy on punishments, and probably because they can afford better lawyers, and the fact that their higher up from the average person also contributes to that. It's horrendous, and I think the only way someone can stop that is if someone of equal or higher power/wealth doesn't take advantage of these things more than they should be able to.

 

[CoffeeDrink]

Okay... no. I do not believe the wealthy are above the law, nor do I believe they are treated differently. The difference is knowledge of the law, either through third party or through self education and circumstance.