Dr. Leslie Dobson’s Controversial Shopping Cart Video

Dr. Leslie Dobson, a clinical and forensic psychologist in sunny California, probably had no idea she’d ignite such a firestorm with a simple trip to the grocery store. But that’s precisely what happened when she shared her rather spicy opinion about shopping carts in a TikTok video that’s now more viral than cat memes.

The Viral Video

Picture it: a 16-second TikTok masterpiece. Dobson stands her ground and boldly declares, “I’m not returning my shopping cart and you can judge me all you want. I’m not getting my groceries into my car, getting my children into the car, and then leaving them to return the cart. So, if you’re going to give me a dirty look, f— off.” Mic drop, right?

Safety Concerns

As the internet collectively picked up its jaw off the floor, Dobson added some serious context. Speaking to Today.com, she elaborated that the video aimed to highlight safety concerns. “Predators watch our patterns and routines, and I wanted to give people permission to not return their carts if their intuition tells them they aren’t safe,” she explained. Safety first!

Rising Abductions

This momma bear’s concerns aren’t unfounded. In 2023, a report from Kids and Car Safety unveiled an alarming “all-time high” of 265 children abducted during car thefts. The numbers are enough to make anyone clutch their pearls.

Public Reaction

Ah, the internet—where everyone comes to share their two cents. While Dobson’s clip was intended as a PSA, the public had mixed reactions. Some lauded her, while others pointed to the infamous “shopping cart theory.” If you haven’t heard, the theory suggests you can gauge someone’s moral character by whether they return their shopping cart. It’s basically the philosopher’s stone of grocery store etiquette.

Opinions on the Shopping Cart Theory

The debate raged on. Is not returning a shopping cart a sign of moral degradation, or is it just practical mom wisdom? Sassy tweets and Facebook rants ensued. And like an overstuffed shopping cart, opinions came in from all angles.

Conclusion

Look, folks, Dr. Dobson raises valid safety concerns. Not to mention, she adds a splash of real-life practicality to a world obsessed with the “right” thing to do. But let’s not kid ourselves—there might be other ways to safely return carts without compromising on child safety. So, what’s your take on this shopping cart saga? Drop a comment in whatever virtual space you fancy. Just don’t forget the groceries in your car.