When Pinching Pennies Becomes Unethical

Post Undermines true message

I think that this post undermines a very healthy message. That message is that we should not spend all of our money on frivolities and should focus more on our futures. Is it ethical to interview someone and then lambaste them on a very small point...

So what about the umbrella and movie popcorn that costs $7. Is it unethical when I bring my own snacks and beverage and do not buy any concessions? At least the man bought a soda? I read the book and can't remember about the dropped calls (selective perception I suppose) but these are about the worst things he has done.

This is the type of article that smacks of being critical because none of your discretions are visible.

BAnders of FL @ Mar 12, 2008 13:37:35 PM

Mr. Corey

i believe the reason Mr. Corey lied to the restaurant owner's and the phone company is not because his action's are unethical in some absolute sense, but rather, as he admit's, he is consciously aware that other's don't necessarilly share his viewpoint. That is the nature of a so-called white lie - it is supposedly victimless. In the umbrella situation i don't see anything at all unethical about his behavior. The umbrella's are benefiting no one just sitting there. To me what he does is much more of a perfect system. Imagine if there were bicycle's located on each block or so and if you needed to get somewhere you just hopped on one and went. When you got there you leave the bike for someone else. This promote's the concept that people are basically trustworthy, and that material thing's are there to be usefull not hoarded, or glamorized. Recently there was a commercial on t.v. by an auto company based on the same concept. Someone would drive in the vehicle where they needed to go then get out, toss the key's to someone else, and so forth.

The phone company situation is another matter. It bug's me because it uses an all too common cop out heralded by people who actually are truly parasitical. That is the argument 'they're ripping us off anyway so anything i can manage to steal from them i have coming'. This bring's to mind an employee who steal's from their employer and excuse's it by 'they don't pay me enough anyway'. When you entered into a contract for your wage's - that was your opportunity to negotiate compensation. Or on another level - say a landlord who has someone lie to the state in some matter in order to fraudulently get tax advantage's they are not entitled to. Is that victimless? no - just like shoplifting - we all pay for it. So with the phone company - if your call's were not actually dropped, then you got the service you contracted for, your financial obligation was made clear i'm sure in your contract - that was your opportunity to negotiate - not after the fact by deception.

E. Manke of WI @ Feb 23, 2008 11:32:18 AM

Stealing is "unethical" behavior?

Why are you pussy-footing around this issue and calling Corey's behavior "unethical?" People who lie and steal ruin things for the rest of us. Anyone can rationalize anything they want. To wit, downloading music without paying for it is OK. Many stores are making their return policies very restrictive because of the kind of "unethical" behavior where people might "buy" clothing or electronics before an event, use it, and then return it afterwards.

In the '60's, there was another book written about such "unethical" behavior. At least, then, they were more honest about its content. It was titled "Steal This Book."

JimmyDaGeek of MD @ Feb 13, 2008 14:52:00 PM

The short answer to the question is Yes! those actions are unethical, bordering on illegal.

I now understand why my local McDonalds had to post a sign saying that you could not refill a cup after you had left the restaurant with it.

Doug of IA @ Feb 13, 2008 14:09:25 PM