The Fashion Thief

A few notes about Slumdog Millionaire

The script comes from the novel Q & A, by Vikas Swarup, an Indian diplomat. It stems from India's biggest quiz show, "Who Will Win a Billion."

B. mentions the documentary film, "Born Into Brothels." It was made Zana Briski, and she spent two years in Calcutta following the lives of seven children growing up in the red-light district. At one point she hands out cameras to each one, and trains them. The children in the end have a show of their work in the States, proving that given a chance they all revel in their capacity to love the world.

However, my subject is about reading an article, "The Fashion Thief," in New York Magazine. Kevahn Thorpe is a young African-American, a fashion fanatic and a serial shoplifter for whom jail was not too steep a price to pay for the labels he loves.

My interest in the article actually stems from an opposite direction: the disgust against those bailed-out bankers who got billions while ordinary Americans lost their jobs and their homes, and still gorged themselves on fat bonuses. This is big time thievery. This brings me to Kevahn. Being a thief is not cute. Even though he is supposed to be smart, it is rather dumb to go to jail because you are obsessed with pathetic designer logo-wear. He is a kleptomaniac - no moral compass there. But too bad. He will always get more time than the Madoffs and Stanfords of the world. This is the difference between the haves and the have nots.

Also, this is how the penal system fails to keep young kids with treatable problems out of jail. Kevahn has a serious psychological issue; he inhabits a tragic dreamworld of high-end boutiques like Prada and Barney's, created by the fashion industry. I must have what I need, only I steal to have it and end up in jail every time.

I guess people need to realize there is more to life than the acquisition of high-end labels. Our present economy is a mess, so some people shoplift meat at the grocery store. In that case, maybe I should say long live the shoplifters who get what they want. Madoff, who wiped out many people's savings, won't go anywhere maximum security. That kid wanted nice clothes and he is in Sing Sing.

So, thieves of the world, Unite! Maybe after several years in jail, somebody will remember the black kid and get him a job in the fashion industry.

Did you ever steal or see somebody stealing?

Last weekend while B. went to see "Milk," I opted for the movie, "Confessions of a Shopaholic." Although it is a very silly comedy, it is a worthy finger pointed at rabid designer-label consumption, and how the young white girl in the movie burns plastic all the time (although she does not steal), and has to face a massive, mounting credit card debt. Does anyone in New York live within their means? Self-control in this society is almost extinct.

Gandhi would probably burst out in hysterics to see his simple belongings (spectacles, sandals, plate, and pocket-watch) sold at auction for 1.8 million dollars. Maybe hedgefund creeps could get inspired by an ascetic lifestyle?