Megan Takes On the (Wal*Mart) World
Two weeks ago, my sister and brother-in-law kicked off one full year without Wal*Mart with this post on my sister’s blog, That’s Swell. It seemed like smashing-good idea, so I decided to join them (shouldn’t be too difficult for me, as I generally try to avoid Wal*Mart as it is).
Now, this particular post created quite a stir, with all sorts of questions popping up over what this was all about and whether it would make a difference, etc. In response, Megan started a series of posts explaining the motives behind this particular exercise. She cites Sam Walton’s autobiography, Sam Walton: Made in America, and an episode of PBS’s Frontline entitled Is Wal-Mart Good for America? (Google Video) as sources, basing her and David’s decisions reasonably and responsibly.
I could get into my reasons now, but I’ve already commented on the post here, so read that for my thoughts on the matter.
Admittedly, the reasoning that goes into something like this isn’t instantly formed and thus can’t be easily explained, even over a series of blog posts. It is seeded in a gradual realization that the so-called American Way isn’t necessarily the best way, that like the Romans and Brits, American capitalism is very much an empire.
Given that neither Megan and David, nor myself came to this realization all at once, I don’t expect anyone to be instantly converted by a single blog post, or a series for that matter. But what amazes me is just how far off people are from getting it.
From the comments:
“[...] WalMart is no different than any other major retailer. The name of the game is profits and that’s the beauty of free enterprise folks.” (full comment)
“[...] With regards to a boycott, honestly, WalMart is such a retail giant it won’t make a bit of difference.” (full comment)
Sure, it would be great if something like this made changes on a large scale, but that is not the point. The point with any exercise is not to feed the machine, so-to-speak; to point out in justice, and maybe open a few eyes in the process.
In addition to the handful of folks who aren’t getting it, I am also amazed and impressed by the number of people who are following this whole thing. On top of the regular readers commenting (whether affirming or dismissing), there are a few blogger’s following Megan and David’s “journey” (as they call it) on their own blogs (Maté Tea for the Mind, The Writing on the Wal).
What can I say, I’m proud of my little sis, the swell revolutionary.
Note:
To change your perspective, check out Irresitable Revolution by Shane Claiborne, and the documentary film The Corporation .
5 comments so far
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get fed this blog
Adam,
Thanks so much for the encouragment. I actually got on the computer tonite feeling pretty ‘beat up’ about this whole issue and already getting tired of ‘fighting’ it or really explaining it. This was a good reminder that what I’m doing is a *good* thing. So, thanks!
And I can not BELIEVE how much it’s taken off….I’ve had so many hits each day…been on the WordPress dashboard for every “Wal-Mart” post – it’s brought in tons of people! I didn’t know this was such a big deal…we haven’t been shopping at wal-mart much either, and I guess we just never ‘announced’ it before so no one noticed.
Anyway – hope all is well! Remember, you’re welcome to come hang out here whenever you like
PS Good luck with the jogging! You’re starting at the wrong time of year though…right before winter!
Thanks man. You have great insight on this stuff.
I attempt to turn perspectives on their heads, so am offering the perspective that those comments actually do support the point.
“WalMart is no different than any other major retailer. The name of the game is profits and that’s the beauty of free enterprise folks.”
That is why it is a big deal. Because nearly all retailers and corporations do operate similarly, and focus on profits. If Wal-Mart were actually significantly different from any other major retailer, this whole thing would be much easier, because then there would only be one corporation to deal with instead of all the corporations of America or the world. That’s why I wonder why so many people just focus on Wal-Mart.
“With regards to a boycott, honestly, WalMart is such a retail giant it won’t make a bit of difference.”
It being such a retail giant, when people do succeed in making a difference, it will be a giant difference. The point is still to make a difference. As you say, “to point out injustice, and maybe open a few eyes in the process.” That sounds like making a difference to me.
Also, one person boycotting might not make a financial difference immediately, but then neither does one person shopping at Wal-Mart or other store make a difference. If one person can shop at Wal-Mart, so can many. If one person can boycott, so can many.
I was so excited to find this post. About a year and a half ago I decided to stop shopping at Walmart, too, and I haven’t set foot inside one since. That inspired me to research other companies, which inspired me to become more self-sufficient from all corporate giants, in general. I can only describe my life as being more creative, resourceful, interesting, affordable and, let’s face it, BETTER, ever since.
Walmart, you have got yourself a faithful anti-customer!
I too despise shopping at Wally world and have been doing my best to shop locally. It is very difficult with a large family and living on a budget. It’s not always easy, but I feel it’s worth the extra effort and time it takes to take a stand up against such corporate giants!!! Stand proud…..peace.