In a recent article published by The Washington Post, culture reporter Maura Judkis explored the growing issue of crime in major American cities, suggesting that it has evolved into a "moral panic" narrative. Judkis specifically highlighted the case of a CVS store in Columbia Heights, D.C., which had been repeatedly looted and shoplifted from, resulting in a near-empty store before its recent closure.

The article delved into the way conservatives have seized upon these crimes to stoke fear about crime waves and portray it as a consequence of "late capitalism." Judkis argued that the empty CVS store came to symbolize everything wrong with American cities and even liberal democracy. She also suggested that ancestral guilt over colonization and stealing might be at play in this moral panic.

While acknowledging the concerns about petty theft, Judkis emphasized that the data regarding this crime wave is "murky" and subject to different interpretations. She pointed out that theft rates have worsened in some cities while improving in others, attributing this inconsistency to both underreporting and overexaggeration by corporations and bureaucratic entities. The reporter highlighted the prevalence of anecdotes and perceptions in shaping public understanding of the situation.

Exploring the reasons behind the increased crime, Judkis cited economic factors such as joblessness, inflation, and a slow recovery from the pandemic. She also noted changes in police practices, particularly a decrease in active policing. The reporter further highlighted the role of CVS policy, where security guards are instructed not to pursue shoplifters. Additionally, city officials in Washington have observed a rise in organized retail crime, involving thefts of items for resale on the street.

Despite Mayor Muriel Bowser's acknowledgment of the impact of theft on people's ability to access essential goods and services, Judkis argued that the situation at the CVS store "got caught up in the culture wars." She attributed this to certain conservative circles who paint cities as crime-ridden and lawless places, utilizing the bleakness of the Columbia Heights CVS as evidence to support their narrative.

However, Judkis cautioned against sensationalizing the situation, stating that while the store and its surroundings have experienced crime and theft, it is far from the dystopian nightmare portrayed by outsiders. She pointed out that other nearby stores are still functioning well, and suggested that industry groups and other entities may have overexaggerated the problem.

The article from The Washington Post sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding rising crime rates in major American cities. It underlines the need for nuanced analysis and constructive dialogue to address the underlying factors contributing to these issues, emphasizing the importance of accurate data and avoiding overgeneralizations.