'Wal-mart:The high cost of low price' documentary
Having seen two recent comments that mentioned Walmart purchases, if you haven't already seen it, I want to strongly recommend that you watch Robert Greenwald's doumentary 'Wal-mart: The high price of low cost'. To quote the film's website:
'Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price is the documentary film sensation that's changing the largest company on earth. The film features the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world. It's an emotional journey that will challenge the way you think, feel... and shop.
Released simultaneously in theaters and DVD in November 2005, the film has been seen by millions worldwide. Families, churches, schools, and small busineses owners have screened the film over 10,000 times and the world is taking notice. See the film, share it, and become part of the movement forcing companies to act responsibly'.
Here is a link to the website: http://www.walmartmovie.com/
Even living here in NZ, I am very pleased to have had my eyes opened to the monstrous nature of the Wal-Mart corporation/concept and others like it.
I saw this when it came out. Some of the people in the film worked at my local Wal Mart (well, not MINE, as I have boycotted them for the last 9 years or so). A must see! They are now joining the organic band wagon and will put the little healthfood stores out of business. Nasty, nasty company.
thanks very much for your comments little2ant. i was beginning to wonder whether anyone had an opinion to offer. also, wonder how the film has been received by the general public in the US? has it been seen by many? how widespread is action such as your own private boycott?
cheers!
adagio
Hi- I guess I am a bit conflicted on this subject. First of all, let me say that I have not (yet) seen the film, and thank you for bringing it up, b/c I would not have heard of it otherwise. However, as a full-time student who only works part time, I do shop at Wal-Mart from time to time. I HATE going there....no matter what time of day or night, there are SOOOO many people in the store, and as always, at least 5 screaming infants at any given moment! I know that the huge-corporate-evil-monstrosity-known as Wal-Mart will more than likely not be stopped, and it does remind me of the Standard Oil situation of the early 20th century, but what are we to do? Like alot of people I know, I cannot afford to buy everything at small, privately owned stores, I cannot always afford Whole Foods or Wild Oats, and I love Vitaman Cottage, but they are limited in what they offer.
So yes, while I agree that Wal-Mart does really suck in its ethics, etc., what is the (realistic)alternative for those of us on a tight budget?
dafodil, the film concludes by addressing this belief. you might be amazed/cheered by the power behind a 'no to wal-mart' stance and what it can/has achieved.
I am pretty poor too, and I have graduated from college >:( so I understand your plight, daffodil!
I think what I do is not waste money on other things (clothes, fancy TVs,furniture, expensive vacations, etc....) and I probably do spend a little more on food than most people. I do find that buying in bulk (pasta, granola, grains, spices, etc....)saves money (and resources such as materials used for packaging). I also frequent the little cart in the health food store that has 50% off and stock up on things I will use. I try to buy things on sale when I can, but honestly, don't pay much attention to price when I am buying food, because it is just worth it to me to eat healthily AND support the smaller groceries who are supporting the organic farmers and companies. Personally I don't like Whole Foods and have found they ARE overpriced. I was not a health food eater while in college, so I don't know how I would have dealt with it then. I think I actually had more money on hand in those days than I do now!
I try not to go to Wal Mart.. they don't even have canned Soy beans there. I mean.. they are like a staple in my diet.
The only good thing about Walmart is the five screaming infants.