A moment of cognitive dissonance exposing prejudice
I don’t have the highest opinion of Wal-Mart (in part from watching this Frontline episode), and I admit I associate Wal-Mart with “low brow” and “middle America.”
(Even setting aside any anti-competitiveness, gentrification, and globalization issues, I don’t really like shopping there, because the one near us is always very crowded, and the shelves don’t seem well maintained to me. It always seems to be in disarray.)
But there’s no denying Wal-Mart’s importance as a retailer, so for a while I’ve been reading their Check Out blog.
I was startled the other day when I read this entry, which starts with a reference to philosopher Thomas Kuhn and one of his groundbeaking works (a book which profoundly influenced my way of thinking after I studied it in college).
The juxtaposition of Wal-Mart and deep thinkers: Not what I expected. So boo on me for my stereotyped perception that a Wal-Mart blog would be written to appeal to the lowest comment denominator.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Walmart’s logistical ability should be counted as one of, if not mankind’s, then capitalism’s greatest achievements. They have it dialed down to the point where the time an item is out of stock at a store and a delivery is made from a warehouse is measured in minutes. Minutes people.
Their logistical innovation is what makes them an unstoppable powerhouse.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
And as a driving cat, is it Wal-Mart trucks you’re driving, Madddog? Is it?
You speak of logistics, but your true agenda is becoming startlingly clear.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
You know what else is measured in minutes?
* Time to worm my way past the throngs of people and get to the right shelf.
* Time to attract attention from an employee to get assistance in locating an item.
* Time in line to give them money.
These are minutes I DO NOT HAVE.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Admit, at least to yourelf, that the uneasy feeling you get mingling with the Wal-mart shoppers is the same one you get when you step over bums in the street. Its the guilt associated with your relief that it is them suffering through poverty instead of yourself. Its the survivor complex, but with money instead of death.
They represent the divide in America between the haves and have nots. To shop at Wal-mart would be to embrace being part of the lower class, the untouchables, and it is an affront to your desires of aristocracy.
You do not have the time, you say? But, I maintain that if you quit your high paying job and lifestyle, you will then have the time. And, you will much more appreciate the bargains and convenience of Walmart. You will also be among your own. A man of the people. Brothers fighting shoulder to shoulder against the crushing weight of poverty. You will reclaim the precious time you fear that is slipping away, be it through the endless march of Chronos, or the machinations of a corrupt government attempting to save daylight. You will find that time will be plentiful, and money is not needed, because as a steely eyed veteran of market-aisle warfare, you may rely on the doomsday weapon of savings, the Walmart Rollback. You will need no gods or heroes, for as you march ever into consumerism, the burning eyes and sickly smile of the yellow deathshead of saving will be seared into your mind’s eye. Be brave future Walmart Shopper, and face your destiny.