In article , Mike Lyle
writes
And if we
want it to stop, we do have to ask why it happens -- and I for one am
far from certain about that, too.

Indeed.

Personally, I think we're too far down a long long line of social
changes to have much chance of finding either a short or long term
solution.

To my mind - and I know its simplifying things a lot - the major causes
are a combination of:
the imperative to rampant consumerism (including 'must have'
advertising). This is unsustainable and inevitably socially divisive;

the city crowding that brings on the possibility of anonymity;

the modern ease of movemement (which allows people to shit on a
doorstep and move toot sweet).

Add all the other things discussed and its a recipe for societal
disaster.

--
regards andyw