Introduction: Is Walmart Good for America?
The question “Is Walmart Good for America?” is a complex one, given the apparent economic benefits it brings to the US. Walmart’s owners present their hyperstore as a positive addition to the US economy, citing job creation without discrimination. However, behind this façade, there are allegations of exploitation targeting vulnerable communities and other job seekers. Walmart achieves this through intricate machinations that involve cutting working hours compensation and engaging in discriminatory practices against women and African Americans.
While Walmart claims to provide jobs for over 600,000 men and women, paying them billions (Greenwald), numerous former employees have come forward with reports of widespread abuses. The company faces lawsuits in more than 31 US states, coupled with millions of dollars in compensation settlements in three major states (Greenwald). Some former employees have disclosed instances of being outright “fired” when confronting or resisting, contributing to what Greenwald terms a “culture of fear” within the workplace (Greenwald). In essence, Walmart is accused of workplace exploitation within vulnerable communities, and its practices end up costing taxpayers billions in subsidies it receives from the government (Greenwald).
This analysis strongly suggests that Walmart’s operations are not focused on improving the conditions of the poor and job seekers. Instead, it appears to be systematically enhancing its corporate wealth, raising doubts about its positive impact on Americans and, ultimately, America. The allegations of worker exploitation, cost-cutting in medical insurance, and reliance on subsidies contribute to the conclusion that Walmart may not be beneficial for the broader community it serves.
Is Walmart Good for America?: Real Situation
Walmart stands accused of mistreating and exploiting its workforce, particularly individuals from vulnerable groups, including women, African Americans, and others, as highlighted in the documentary by Greenwald. According to Greenwald, some workers have expressed their concerns about the company’s practices.
Greenwald contends that Walmart actively discourages workers from forming unions, promoting disorganization among its workforce. Bill Fletcher Jr., in his essay “How to Fight Walmart,” suggests that addressing these issues requires a concentrated effort from multiple unions, forming a united front like “OUR Walmart” (Organization United for Respect at Walmart) to seek justice for workers, similar to unions in other industries (Fletcher). However, Fletcher notes with disappointment that this effort has not received support from various quarters. He emphasizes that for these initiatives to succeed, workers need to feel part of a broader movement and consistently unite on a single front. Without such unity, he predicts that efforts to challenge the exploitation by the company will falter, allowing Walmart to persist in its practices (Fletcher).
In essence, the continued exploitation of workers based on gender, race, or color is anticipated as long as the corporation prioritizes profit over economic growth or providing better job conditions for its workforce. Fletcher also highlights another form of exploitation by Walmart—failing to provide proper medical insurance to its employees. This multifaceted approach to exploitation underscores the challenges faced by workers seeking fair treatment and justice within the company.
Is Walmart Good for America?: What Documentary Says
In his documentary, “Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price,” Greenwald accuses Walmart of deceiving workers regarding their medical or health coverage package. According to Greenwald, most workers end up relying on Medicaid or private health coverage, incurring millions in medical costs (Greenwald). In the report “Wal-Mart and Health Care Condition: Critical,” David L. West argues that the company’s claims of providing healthcare insurance to its workers are misleading. As of 2003 and 2004, only “40% of its total employees were covered,” a significantly low percentage compared to other companies (West 03). West further notes that Walmart has reduced healthcare coverage for its employees, leading many to “apply for Medicaid,” despite the company being “subsidized by taxpayers” (West 04). This suggests that Walmart’s actions are not contributing positively to the US economy; instead, they are placing a burden on it, with taxpayers subsidizing the company while it falls short in providing adequate healthcare coverage to its workers. Despite Walmart’s claims of job creation and offering medical coverage, the reality is that not all workers receive healthcare benefits, and the company is saving millions at the expense of US taxpayers through subsidies. These subsidies are not insignificant; they amount to a substantial sum.
Is Walmart Good for America?: Question of Subsidies
The US government extends various subsidies to the giant Walmart with the intention of creating jobs for Americans and increasing tax revenue to bolster the economy. However, according to Greenwald in his documentary, these subsidies, funded by the hard-earned money of taxpayers, are being utilized for the expansion of the hyperstore, rather than benefiting consumers or workers (Greenwald). An article from Multination Monitor titled “Wal-Mart’s Subsidy Shopping” outlines the ten largest subsidy deals involving Walmart, emphasizing that these billion-dollar deals span over more than 35 states in the United States (“Wal-Mart’s Subsidy Shopping”).
The article sheds light on the problems posed to Americans and American taxpayers. It cites a 1998 decision by the California Supreme Court, where the court struck down a $1.9 million subsidy, reasoning that such subsidies primarily contribute to store development rather than serving the public’s welfare. This underscores the notion that Walmart might be misleading the government and taking advantage of government subsidy programs.
Conclusion: Is Walmart Good for America?
In short, it can be asserted that the Walmart corporation does not prove beneficial for America and the American public due to its exploitative strategies targeting vulnerable sections of society. The company saves on working hours, medical coverage, and compels employees to work extended hours. It also cuts costs on healthcare, pressuring workers to opt for private healthcare or Medicaid. The significant loss to Americans lies in the utilization of subsidies for the corporation’s own development. Therefore, it becomes evident that while Walmart may benefit its owners in terms of profit, its impact on Americans and the American economy is not positive.
Works Cited: Is Walmart Good for America?
- Fletcher Jr., Bill. “How to Fight Walmart.” Progressive, vol. 77, no. 8, Aug. 2013, pp. 14-16. EBSCOhost, libaccess.texsu.edu:443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=89531272&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Access 29 Jan. 2023.
- Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price. Dir. Robert Greenwald. Top Documentary Films. 2005. https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/wal-mart-the-high-cost-of-low-price/ Accessed 29 Jan. 2018.
- “Wal-Mart’s Subsidy Shopping.” Multinational Monitor, vol. 25, no. 5/6, May/Jun2004, pp. 7-8. EBSCOhost, libaccess.tesu.edu:443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=13901938&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Access 29 Jan. 2023.
- West, David L. “Wal-Mart and Health Care Condition: Critical.” Center for Changing Workforce, Jan. 2006. http://www.cfcw.org/wal-martreport-january2006.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan. 2023.
Relevant Questions about Is Walmart Good for America?
- How does Walmart’s employment practices, as highlighted in various reports and documentaries under the question “Is Walmart Good for America?,” impact the well-being and economic conditions of its workers, particularly in terms of issues such as working hours, discrimination, and access to healthcare?
- What are the broader economic implications of Walmart’s reliance on subsidies for its expansion, as discussed in articles and documentaries exploring the question “Is Walmart Good for America?,” and how does this impact the public and the overall economy?
- In what ways does Walmart’s influence on the retail industry, including its impact on local businesses and communities, contribute to or hinder the economic health and vitality of America, considering the overarching question “Is Walmart Good for America?”