Leslie Dobson, a California mom, has set the internet ablaze with her now-viral TikTok video explaining why she refuses to return her shopping cart. The video, which has amassed over 11 million views and hundreds of thousands of interactions, has sparked an intense online debate on social etiquette and personal safety.

The Viral Video and Public Reaction

Dobson's video became an internet sensation not simply because she doesn't return shopping carts, but due to her reasoning behind it. According to Dobson, returning shopping carts could endanger her children. She justified her decision by pointing to the potential risk of child abduction when parents leave their children unattended, even if just for a moment.

Unsurprisingly, this brought about a whirlwind of discussion. Her views have sparked an online debate that brings into question the finer points of social etiquette and personal safety (usatoday).

The Shopping Cart Theory

Amusingly, Dobson's stance also brought forward the 'shopping cart theory', an internet concept that posits returning shopping carts as a litmus test for one's moral character and self-governance. Yet, Dobson's approach leads us to ponder: Is morality better left to parking lots or philosophers?

Safety Concerns or Excuses?

To bolster her argument, Dobson cited statistics on child abductions as a primary concern. However, critics quickly pointed out that one can return the cart without leaving children unattended, suggesting Dobson's worries might be overblown.

Dobson passionately encourages parents to trust their intuition and prioritize safety over social judgment (usatoday). She underscores her belief that parents should not be shamed for choosing their children’s safety over mundane societal expectations.

Intuition vs. Social Responsibilty

As expected, the online community has been vocal. Some commentators shared personal experiences about managing to return shopping carts despite having children or disabilities. Many argued that it is, in fact, feasible to both return a cart and ensure a child’s safety, often involving innovative techniques such as employing older siblings or making quick dashes.

Meanwhile, Dobson has made multiple follow-up videos to address the ongoing debate, doubling down on her perspective. She remains steadfast in her conviction that parents must prioritize their children’s immediate safety over societal norms.

The Broader Implications

Dobson’s stand raises questions about broader implications. It nudges us to examine the intersection of moral behavior and parental instinct, challenging us to ask if there is a sensible middle ground.

So, the next time you find yourself in a parking lot wrestling with the dilemma of whether to return that shopping cart, remember, whether you do or don’t could potentially ignite a viral sensation—or, at the very least, a small existential crisis.

And always keep in mind: there’s always DoorDash.