Walmart and Us
Have you read the Wal-Mart: The Face of Twenty-First Century Capitalism yet? Barbara Ehrenreich, the investigative journalist who changed the way we look at blue—and white—collar labor in America, has called this book, “Necessary reading for anyone concerned about the future of the American economy.” I couldn’t agree more. Some years back, after a few months of doing my own research, I made a personal decision never to shop in Wal-Mart. Ever. A totally insignificant gesture, I know—it’s the equivalent of an ant mooning the sun--but this book explains why more and more Americans are boycotting this company and explains what mega-chains are doing to the world economy. Yeah, you can definitely buy cheap stuff, but that purchase has a ripple effect many of us never really considered. Anyway, maybe you'll agree with the essays in this book, maybe not, but it's worth reading just to expand your vision about what's going on around us as money exchanges from one company or person to the next.
Comments
I couldn't agree more.
Posted by: Christian | July 17, 2006 03:24 PM
I applaud 100% a boycott - it's especially challenging for people with ridiculous mortgages and lagging salary increases (not to mention a stagnant minimum wage). However, Walmart isn't the only enemy. Walmart has for decades been worshipped as a genius of a business model and it's practices have been mimicked by other businesses for years. Just as consumers weren't aware of, for example, when Walmart stopped selling only US-made goods, consumers aren't aware of other practices of businesses they patronize. What I'm saying is that the problems Walmart causes are growing because more businesses see benefits of mimicking the Walmart model. Every person needs to demand changes to our system. I hope a boycott of Walmart will begin that change - at least it brings awareness to the masses. To make an impact on the systemic problems, every concerned person needs to vote for changes in his or her legislature. Ask candidates or your present representatives how they will fix the problem. Recommend your own changes. Such things take no more time than it takes to figure out where you'll get your tools if not at Walmart.
Posted by: Keri | July 18, 2006 09:58 AM
i couldn't agree more with keri! the most effective way of voting in america is voting with your wallet.
Posted by: Catherine | July 21, 2006 10:53 PM