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 .