As international travel becomes increasingly accessible, a growing student pool at Colorado Mesa University is gravitating toward the study abroad programs. As much as it is exciting to experience other cultures, an odd trend has been formed among American travelers to European nations: a tendency to become hostile if attacked by robbers. Americans in social media videos are observed to challenge robbers with an unprecedented ferocity, often directly in opposition to the manner in which locals might. This highlights vital cultural differences, legalities and considerations that CMU students must be aware of prior to travel.
The underlying issue here is a significant disparity in mindset towards individual property and self-protection by Europeans and Americans. Americans are socialized in their society and by their courts to defend their property vigorously. Americans are likely to be raised to be personally accountable and to view self-protection as essential. Accordingly, Americans are likely to be prompt and forceful in their reaction when a person attempts to steal from them, especially in an unfamiliar situation.
Conversely, European societies are usually more likely to look the other way in cases of minor crimes. Citizens may be more likely to report the offense and let the authorities handle it. This may be reflective of greater societal values. Americans tend to prize individual achievement and initiative. However, European societies may prize communal systems and social safety nets even more. These values may influence how individuals respond to crime, particularly in public settings.
Social media has helped to establish how travelers perceive and respond to pickpocketing. Viral videos of travelers standing up to—in some cases, using a clever device or dramatic confrontation—to prevent pickpocketing have given rise to a sort of vigilante mentality. The videos often portray crime as an issue to be overcome with cleverness or aggression. They may influence how travelers prepare and respond to risk. While fun to watch or even inspirational in an abstract sense, these videos are problematic at an ethical and legal level. Is it okay to physically stand up to a thief? And what are the consequences of doing so in an alien environment?
For students at CMU planning to spend time abroad, it is essential to understand the legal and cultural context. Lashing out at robbers violently may have grave outcomes in certain nations where self-defense laws are very stringent. In certain countries, even the single touch of a thief may land one in jail, irrespective of the situation. Students must be knowledgeable about the fact that what may be defined as self-protection in America may be otherwise defined as assault in other places.
Instead of confrontation, students are urged to contemplate alternatives in terms of safer, non-escalatory strategies. Carrying a fake wallet, sporting a wallet chain and avoiding crowded areas where pickpocketing is likely are all effective risk-reducing strategies. Others have even developed ingenious devices to deter pilferage without resorting to confrontation—a considerate effort reflecting inventiveness and caution. Perhaps most paramount is doing one’s homework in terms of pre-travel research on local laws and customs.
The ethical consideration in this issue is also worth bringing up. Is it ever acceptable to physically defend oneself from a pickpocket? As many argue, crimes such as theft ought to have penalties. The vast majority of overseas legal systems do not condone vigilante justice, and striking back in anger or frustration carries the risk of quickly escalating the situation. There is also the matter of how these actions might affect foreign opinion of the American traveler. Acts of violence abroad tend to congeal preexisting negative preconceptions and strain overseas relations, even if crime is short-term deterred.
During popular foreign events, such as the Olympics, some reports suggested that overt defiance of pickpockets reduced the amount of theft. Whether it is a long-term or short-term deterrent, or an ethical one, is debatable. Some believe that socioeconomic pressure leads individuals to engage in theft, and that understanding this perspective should inform one’s response. Others are adamant that thievery of any nature is unacceptable and must be met with robust penalties. Empathy is paramount, but so too is establishing clear boundaries. Theft is an assault on individual rights, and travelers need to be comfortable in their capacity to defend themselves, but in ways that are non-harming, lawful, and culturally appropriate.
As CMU students embark on life in the world beyond our country, foreign culture, tradition and challenges will be their lot. Learning how other people respond to crime—and how Americans are treated abroad—is part of becoming a responsive world citizen. Heading to Paris, Rome or Prague? Staying ahead of the curve, being well-informed and being thoughtful will be the key. Protecting property is essential, but doing so shrewdly and legally is even more critical.
