> Whatever the cause, though, people from the US almost universally think of lawbreaking as a common and often harmless activity, not something limited to the m

> Whatever the cause, though, people from the US almost universally think of lawbreaking as a common and often harmless activity, not something limited to the mentally handicapped or partially insane - something that many people would do if the law weren't restraining them. I don't think you're correct, that's certainly not a "universal" thought, although I suppose there may be subcultures that believe this. I live in the US, and I don't know anyone who thinks this way (at least no one I've discussed it with). We think criminals had a bad upbringing, or that they have some kind of psychological problem (which may be due to physical brain problems). > "He just looked like a normal person! But obviously he wasn't, because he robbed the store!" I like this response; it sounds like the response I'd have given.