[WORK IN PROGRESS]
Overview
The “Shoplifting” fandom, also known as the “Lifting” fandom or “Liftplayers”, are a group of individuals who advertise their shoplifting lifestyle on their tumblr blogs, often reblogging and posting posts about how to shoplift, where the most vulnerable places are, and their shoplifting haul. Some of these blogs have claimed to have stolen thousands of dollars worth of goods.
Background
The shoplifting fandom, despite being reported on by online journalist websites in the past, have never been reprimanded for their actions, and outside of individuals being caught on their own accord, have never faced criminal charges for their excessive thievery.
In July 2015, tumblr user tenaflyviper compiled a list of notable users in the fandom, which caused a reaction from the shoplifting fandom on tumblr. In addition, tenaflyviper exposed posts that exposed shoplifters, such as “reblog if you’re a lifter”.
Initially, tumblr staff did not react to this fandom, despite most tumblr users being outraged. The shoplifting fandom initially claimed that their shoplifting blogs were simply role play blogs, but because they had repeatedly posted images of stolen merchandise, most tumblr users did not believe them. Later, they tried to defend their actions by claiming they suffer from kleptomania, claiming that the marijauna culture on tumblr is not prosecuted, accusing Tenaflyviper of doxxing the shoplifters, claiming that the FBI has no interest in identifying shoplifters and that they were shoplifting to be able to survive. Due to a variety of factors, all of these attempts to divert the situation failed, as more and more shoplifting blogs began to be reported.
Notable Developments
On July 5th, Tenaflyviper posted her master list of shoplifters she discovered, initially triggering the event.
On July 7th, according to Tenaflyviper, Tumblr staff is now investigating the blogs in question for illegal activity.
Search Interest
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External References
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http://www.dailydot.com/lifestyle/tumblr-shoplifting-subculture/
http://tenaflyviper.tumblr.com/post/123414494855/master-list-of-entitled-children-celebrating-being
http://tenaflyviper.tumblr.com/post/123477631810/does-it-make-you-feel-big-and-important-to-notify
http://tenaflyviper.tumblr.com/post/123484621645/my-advice
http://tenaflyviper.tumblr.com/post/123423385230/reblog-if-you-are-a-lifter
http://tenaflyviper.tumblr.com/post/123491418410/i-do-wish-their-response-wasnt-so-generic-but-at