A mother divided the internet when she defended not returning shopping carts.
In a recent viral TikTok video posted on May 30, California-based clinical and forensic psychologist Leslie Dobson shared her opinion on whether or not people should return shopping carts to the grocery store parking lot corrals. groceries. She began the video by saying, “I'm not returning my shopping cart. And you can judge me all you want.”
“I'm not going to put my groceries in my car, put my kids in the car and then leave them in the car to go return the cart, so if you're going to give me a dirty look, fuck you,” she continued.
Since sharing the clip, the video has garnered nearly 12 million views on the platform, sparking debate among viewers. Some criticized her for using her children as an excuse not to return shopping carts.
“I will always say that the shopping cart is the ultimate test of what kind of person you are,” someone commented. “Even with a baby I take her with me to return the stroller.”
“I just know that even when she is not with her children or if there is another person with them to watch the children in the car, she does not return the shopping cart,” another noted.
Many implored Dobson to pursue the social media-based shopping cart theory, according to which returning a shopping cart to its proper place after use is a measure of a person's moral character and ability to self-govern.
“If you can get the cart, you can return it,” one user wrote. “Look up the shopping cart theory.”
“I absolutely believe in the shopping cart theory,” added another. “Maybe the return was to the other side of the parking lot, maybe it was literally in front of where you parked. Either way, the theory is true.”
Dobson responded to the comment by saying, “I wanted to make the video so people can say: trust your gut, it's okay if you don't feel confident not to return your shopping cart.”
Some sympathized with Dobson, with one person writing: “Yeah, I don't blame you. “I have four children and I always hit my stroller against the cars next to me so the wind doesn't have to work so hard.”
In an interview with Good morning americaDobson clarified her intentions and message, noting that most of her TikTok content revolves around parenting tips and child safety.
“People didn't see the whole thing… but now it's become a very important conversation,” he said. “And I'm very happy that people are talking about this.”
And he added: “There are so many private messages from women who say: 'I believe you, I trust you, I do the same, but I'm not going to leave a public message because I don't want retaliation.' “
