Why don't people understand that hackers are not bad people?

Opinion

Hackers are dangerous and the cause of one of the worst things in America, identity theft. A hacker could destroy lives.

Opinion

Hackers have developed an array of levels of hacking ranging from good hackers to bad hackers. However, a hacker historically is one who searches out and exploits weaknesses in computer systems in order to gain unauthorized access. Some do this simply because they can and breaking into a system is a source of pride for most. Computer hackers typically steal and damage property that doesn't belong to them. Placing all labels and semantics aside, in a civilized society governed by laws that protect its citizens, people who steal are considered "bad" as they should be. Hackers are modern day pirates.