High Cost of Low Price

The first of a new year. The last year lacked many things... mostly my capacity to focus on a goal and carry it through. I am interested in so many things that, unlike those who have chosen a clearer path, I spread myself thin across all of these interests. Nothing gets done.

Maybe this post should be in the other blog.

Ok, refocussing on POV.

I started the year with Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Lower Prices, a Disinfo doc exposing the business practices of the world's largest retailer. Though I have always had an issue with the practices of large corporations, especially with respect to the manner in which their employees are treated. I was already aware of the standard practice to pay as little as posible, demand more out of each employee regardless of wage, and the slippery tactics of schduling and budgeting. As a matter of fact, Wal-Mart is often cited by the corporation for which I work as a shining example of responsible, respectable, and admirable business practice.

wtf.

The legacy of Wal-Mart corporate practices is surely a sign of the times. Bullying their way into a community, it promises employment and investment. Then, once the foundation is set, they rescind their agreements, cause the closure of dozens if not hundreds of local businesses. The impact of these closures only feeds Wal-Mart more employees willing to work at a lower wage. Others who cannot restart business and cannot get jobs at Wal-Mart - because they intentionally understaff their stores - fall away neglected and destitute. At each link in the chain Wal-Mart applies a code of of business conduct in which respect and individuality are stripped from their people. Each of these employees is no more than human commodity, cattle, for the attainment of corporate ambition. Staff members accepting this as gospel, literally cheering its praises each morning, the physical and psychological cycle is complete.

The most successful businesses set the trend. Investment comes for successful business models. By undercutting the competition on price, co-opting and killing their comptetitors, and imbalancing the field of competition by creating the largest margins possible, record profits are assured. What is the future going to be like if these practices are mimicked and instuted universally?

In the past, if I could avoid going to Wal-Mart, I would. Now, I simply won't go.