The Ethics of Unconscious Cheating: An Insider's Perspective

There is an interesting and sometimes controversial aspect of human nature that can lead us to engage in actions that appear to be unethical but are actually based on a mistake or misunderstanding. This phenomenon, often referred to as unconscious cheating, can be particularly evident in small interactions, such as those between customers and shopkeepers.

One such instance occurred when my best friend and I were shopping for new trousers. We aimed to take advantage of an offer by purchasing two trousers in different colors. However, our approach had unforeseen consequences, revealing a subtle form of unconscious cheating.

A Lesson from Ethel Weiss

Consider the story of Ethel Weiss, a 98-year-old owner of Irving’s, a tiny shop in Brookline, MA. Ethel was committed to honesty in her dealings and refused to let any customer gain an unfair advantage. She valued her interactions with her customers and the lessons she could impart, particularly to the younger generation.

Her story provides a stark contrast to the situation I found myself in. While Ethel believed in fairness, my actions, though well-meaning, crossed a line that made me feel slightly guilty.

Unconscious Cheating in Action

We visited several shops to find the same offer on trousers. Each time, we left empty-handed because the offer was either not present or the person we wanted to take advantage of was understandably reluctant to comply with the plan. Finally, we found ourselves in a less crowded shop closer to home where we hoped to find the same offer.

The shopkeeper noticed our plans and suggested a discount. However, the proposed discount seemed too good to be true and came with a series of awkward questions. Here’s how the conversation unfolded:

Shopkeeper: “What do you want guys?”

My friend: “We were looking for some older collection trousers almost like these ones…”

Shopkeeper: “I dont have them… but… I dont know… come…”

He led us to a table and explained a special offer only for regular customers. Sensing a betrayal, my friend wrote a message to me: “Man the hell are you doing! I think this guy is flirting with me.”

Me: “Wow thanks man!”

Shopkeeper: “Also you look young haha… do you go to university or high school?”

My friend: “Yeah… uni”

Shopkeeper: “Thats great me too! If you show me your university card you have another discount.”

My friend: “Cool cool then how much is it?”

The shopkeeper then measured my waist and mentioned a size before asking about my university. He continued to show interest in my friend, doubling down on the offer. This led my friend to feel uncomfortable and written to me: “Man the hell are you doing! I think this guy is flirting with me.”

After some initial reluctance, I decided to take the trousers and provide the university card. The shopkeeper was immediately suspicious and asked to see my face. Prompted by my friend’s message, I opted to provide my ID instead. The shopkeeper eventually complied, making the transaction seem more like a personal bonding experience than a blatant attempt to take advantage.

Ethical Considerations

While the shopkeeper’s actions were initially surprising, the situation revealed ethical dilemmas. Should we have simply gone to a regular price and left? Or should we have accepted the discount, even if it seemed suspicious? The shopkeeper’s motives may have been more innocent and less about taking advantage and more about connecting with potential regular customers. However, as consumers, we must consider the ethics of our own behaviors and the unintended consequences that may arise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the example shared highlights the importance of considering the ethics of our actions and the potential misinterpretations that can arise in such interactions. It is crucial to balance personal gain with integrity and ethical considerations. In the end, the shopkeeper’s actions, though initially questionable, could be seen as an attempt at age-bonding rather than a pure example of taking advantage.