Why Is Walmart Wrong

The documentary film on Wal-Mart examines everything wrong with Wal-Mart that we do not see as consumers. I initially thought it would be good for a small town to get a large company like Wal-Mart to move in, but I now realize how wrong that thinking was. First we learn how Wal-Mart basically destroys the economy of a small town, putting everyone out of business, as they cannot compete. Family owned businesses that have been around for generations, a reflection of the American lifestyle and dream, are all shattered. Within months of Wal-Mart moving in, the towns are empty and look like ghost towns. The message is that cheap prices cannot replace the small town quality of life, the true America. Wal-Mart is basically a distribution center for
The German employees don’t understand why the Americans can’t have the same benefits. At the same time, they also feel the pressure that everyone is replaceable. The film also delves into numerous lawsuits filed against Wal-Mart. They include wage and hour abuses nationwide, undocumented worker abuses, discrimination against women, un-kept promises to employees i.e. management training, and more. Wal-Mart focuses on itself even in the case of security. There are thousands of crimes committed in the parking lots nationwide and the security cameras are not monitored for employee or patron safety. They are used to monitor possible union activity, which they fear most. They put profit before the safety and wellbeing of their employees. When Wal-Mart moves into a community they get approvals and funding that no other local businesses can get. They get help with sewage and infrastructure through subsidies that deplete the town. Subsidies are allotted to Wal-Mart as opposed to for instance schools that badly need the help and wind up shutting down. Millions are given to Wal-Mart instead of crucial services such as police, fire, schools, etc. The local businesses and organizations have a hard time getting