Monday
May252009
Wal Mart's Battle in the Wilderness
Monday, May 25, 2009 at 06:42AM Full disclosure?
I hate Wal Mart.
I wish I could tell you that I hate it for political, social or ethical reasons.
But, no.
I hate Wal Mart because it's dirty. And shady. And just gross. And no matter how respectable and dignified a person might think they are, the moment they walk into a Wal Mart they become human trash scouring filth laden aisles for the cheapest prices on items manufactured in poorly regulated overseas factories that will most likely kill us all because said items are infused with lead, mercury and God-only-knows-what.
OK, maybe it's not that bad. But... it's close.
More full disclosure?
I love history. Particularly the history of the American Civil War. I think this era represents a formative point in our nation's history. I also think too many Americans, in general, live in ignorance of how the events of this particular era directly affect the way in which we still approach the basic ideals of freedom, nationalism and government.
I know.
What do my love of history and disdain for Wal Mart have to do with one another?
About 145 years ago, Generals Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee faced one another for the first time on a battlefield in Locust Grove, Va. in what became known as the Battle of the Wilderness. It was a definitive battle, according to some historians. It represented a turning point in that many argue that the Confederacy lost its offensive edge beginning with this battle.
In a few months, it seems there will be a Wal Mart looming over this battlefield, roughly across the street.
It's an interesting situation.
Some of the residents of this area support the initiative of this Wal Mart, citing that it will bring needed economic development to the area.
Others, for obvious reason, are horrified by the idea that extra low prices will be touted just steps away from a place in which more men lost their lives in service to this nation than both of the Gulf wars combined.
Me? Here's what I think.
I think that a historical landmark in and of itself is a viable opportunity for economic growth and development. I think we have a lot of Wal Marts, but we only have one battlefield where Grant's men and Lee's men first faced each other.
I don't like the idea of a Wal Mart being anywhere near this nationally sacred (yes, sacred) place... this place where many men offered their lives simply so that their version of American ideals would live on.
If the citizens of Locust Grove are looking for economic growth, Wal Mart is an expedient, but poor choice.
But, I don't live in Locust Grove, Virginia.
Maybe they need these jobs really badly?
Maybe arguments of preservation, identity and national treasure are a bit ivory tower for people who are standing in an unemployment line or might have had to apply for government aid for the first time in their lives?
It's a difficult situation and the most that I'm willing to commit to is an opinion that wavers precariously whenever I consider that my tendency to lean towards historical preservation has a very real human cost.
My God, I do hate Wal Mart, though.
P.S. Be sure to enjoy your Memorial Day. And the meat you'll be barbequeing. Which was no doubt purchased at extra low prices. Sigh.
Reader Comments (42)
I'm with you on that. Walmart is a horrible, nasty place. I haven't had to go to one in probably about 10 years, and I'm thankful for it.
Walmart is my worst nightmare.
It's alarming, to me, that they'd build one across the street from that historical place, too. But, maybe people will notice the battleground more, now, since they'll no doubt be going to Walmart more often?
Hmm...
I've seen stuff that claims Walmart brings short term economic growth (the construction and initial hiring) but over time it actually harms the local economy as more and more businesses close up shop because they cannot compete, leaving more locals unemployed. I have no specific data to back this up, however.
Honestly, I'm of two minds about Walmart. I stay away from the questionable sourced stuff (the lead paint covered mercury toys, for example), but their name brand items are the same ones I could get elsewhere for sometimes 50% or more additional cost. I get that they are huge and therefore can afford to cut the prices, but for someone who doesn't shop at the local stores because there are none (at least where I live), given the choice between a big conglomerate and a REALLY big conglomerate (Walmart), I'll go wherever is cheaper.
At the same time, I feel guilty and dirty because I know what Walmart does to smaller communities.
I have a personal hell, and I named it Wal-Mart. I can't stand being there. Normal, sane people walk in and are immediately converted into evil, soulless demented creatures. (And rude ones at that!)
This post has made me wonder though, what happened historically beneath all the places I frequent? My condo? My favourite movie theatre? Surely each piece of earth has a story...
xo
Very interesting post, Faiqa. I also am torn about Wal-Mart. It is true that Wal-Mart seems to attract a certain caliber of people and some Wal-Marts are dirty. One of the Wal-Marts in our city is definitely on the yucky side. One of them is--dare I say--nice? It is always clean and the employees and shoppers are polite and well groomed, and most of them have the majority of their teeth.
And I admit---I do shop there on occasion. Which kinda sorta makes me feel guilty for all the of reasons that have been mentioned here.
But my Wal-Mart has nothing historical about it. Other than being situated on the site of a Chumash burial ground.
I will not step foot in Wal-Mart, not even to save money. I need my pride more than the savings.
It is tough not to shop at these kinds of stores though when that's all there is in middle-class suburbia. We don't have a whole lot to choose from besides the big chain stores, so sometimes these are the only option (there are 3 Walmarts in my city). I try to stay away from Walmart, just because it can be icky, plus all the social reasons that are a concern. I prefer Target.
However, I agree! They shouldn't build a Walmart across the street from a historic site for sure, maybe a Target would be OK, but not a Walmart.
@Avitable, I went for the first time in 3 or 4 years just the other day. I was astonished at how much cheaper everything was. I had forgotten. All I could remember was the ickyness.
@Sybil Law, Well, yeah, but maybe people might notice the battlefield more if the city just put up signs that said, "Hey, there was a big battle here", too. :)
@SciFi Dad, I actually read that report. And there was specific data. As I mentioned earlier, I hadn't been to Wal Mart in almost 3 years until just last week. I was amazed at how much I was overpaying on certain household items by shopping at a local (at least Florida owned) grocery store. I'm wrestling with the issue of feeling guilty and dirty but, at the same time, a little richer, as well.
@Princess of the Universe, That's true, each piece of earth does have a history, but I think, in this case, this piece has a *significant* amount of history to a great number of people. It's national history.... but, that's a good point. Where do we draw the line?
@Jason, Oh, well, everyone knows that the Native Americans were just impediments to this nation's history not *part* of it. KIDDING.
@Connie, Exaaactly.
@Kimberly, Hahahaha!! Yes, a Target would be just fine. That makes me so curious.... you think people would have made a big deal if it *was* a Target?!
I tend to think of myself as being as far from a snob as I can be, yet I hate Wal-Mart and most of it is for snobby reasons.
It's dirty, awful and I hate everyone who works/shops there.
How is that for being an elitist prick?
@B.E. Earl, I'm a firm believer in the fact that letting one's elitism shine through freely is an integral part of a healthy outlook on life.
@Faiqa, You mean they don't already have those signs up?! Wow. I just assumed they already did! What a shame.
@Sybil Law, Oh, no, I don't know. They probably do. I just mant, building a Wal Mart so people will notice the battlefield is not the best justification. :)
I hate WalMart just because it's so huge, and the parking is so horrible.
Because of health reasons, I don't get around so well these days, and it's really difficult to do Olympic sized laps around the whole store just to pick up a few things.
99% of the time I go to smaller stores and pay a few cents more, just so I can park closer and get out of the store quicker.
As far as the "sacred ground" thing goes, I guess I can see both sides. If we always prohibited building anything on anyplace where something significant happened, eventually there would be noplace left to build anything.
If you have time, compare Wal-Mart's response to Hurricane Katrina vs. the federal, state, and local government. I shop at Wal-Mart every week.
oh yes, do not forget Wal-Mart's generic $4 drug list, which has helped many senior citizens where the government has failed them. Finally, I suggest you try Wal-Mart "Neighborhood Markets" for a more suburban feel. By the way, I volunteer part time as a Wal-Mart greeter. I hope I will alway have that job....ALWAYS...
@Zia, "By the way, I volunteer part time as a Wal-Mart greeter. I hope I will alway have that job….ALWAYS…" Buwahahahaha. Yeah, right.
@Janna, Your reason of getting in an out is really the heart of the matter for me, too. I get really frustrated with superstores (even Super Target) because of this, too. And, I think you have a point about sacred ground... Now that I think of it, they couldn't build ANYTHING in India or Pakistan if they went by this rule.
@Zia, You shop at Wal Mart because you're a cheapskate. Sam's Cola, anyone? Or maybe a Dr. Thunder?
there are enough studies to prove that WalMart screws everybody in the supply chain; everyone from the raw materials producer, to the consumer. It is a very capitalistic setup...if Dollar Dollar bills are what motivate you then you may not have as much of a problem shopping there. I don't shop there because i believe that at the end of the day, they screw the consumer either by charging us higher prices or messing up our health on the long term. Having said that, Walmart has given many lower income families, the ability to purchase things at a reasonable price.
@tariq, Oooh, I love it when you get all idealistic. It's so hot.
We like WalMart. Daisy Dukes and trailer trash. One time Kiefer got lucky just blacking out his teeth and calling them "teef." I did not. Oh yes you did. Don't you remember Hilda Mae? Oh... was that WalMart? Yep, sure was. Oh yeah... heh. Man... her Daisy Dukes were so far up her thighs I couldn't tell what was frayed denim and what was... OK OK shut up now Kiefer. Well don't you remember? Yeah I do, but we're talking about Civil War Battlefields. Oh yeah... well... screw that because we like WalMart. Yeah... Daisy Dukes and trailer trash. And teef...
Wow, I must be white trash, cause I shop Walmart.. And I'm not in there looking for 'the lowest price' ever. I usually shop for something I need. I don't go in there alot, last trip was a few months ago when we needed desk calendars.
That's pretty much the only place to go without having to go to the mall, and I hate the mall worse then Kmart.
I will say, living and working close to/in Valley Forge, PA (more historic sites), that they have done an excellent job maintaining the historical aspects of that area. I do hope that even with the Walmart in VA, that they take care of that battleground.
@Kiefer and Emo, ummm. OK.
@bubblewench, oh, no!! I didn't mean to imply that people who shop there are trash... I shop there, too. Just not often. And I hate every second of it.
C'mon now Faiqa....you were so totally implying that I am trash. It's alright though. I like Wal-Mart. I hate the one closest to my house because they never have enough workers and the lines are super long but it's not worth the twenty-minute drive to go to the one with shorter lines.
But yeah, I'm at Wal-Mart at least once a week.
When I was visiting my grandmother, I wound up being there five times in four days.
Wait - where is the edit button so I can insert my sarcasm tag after the first line? Dammit.
i know alittle about history as well, and that was certainly an incredible battle. I have actually played a wargame based on it, and it was brutal.
i agree with you that that area should be left unspoiled...
"But, I don’t live in Locust Grove, Virginia."
That sums it up for me.
i could just hug you for hitting on one of my pet peeves, but in the right way. you said "human" trash and i love you for it.
@Sheila (Charm School Reject), Oh, well, if you want to get technical, I did mean to imply that *you* were white trash.
(Sarcasm tag)
You know I love you.
@Miss Britt, Well, good for you for keeping it simple. :)
@hello haha narf, Oh, wow, and I didn't even do that deliberately, it was just natural-- I'm feeling kinda awesome about that.
Don't worry, I'm right there with you on Wal-Mart in terms of dirtiness and the scum-of-the-earth factor. It scares me in there. I think they have a human zoo in the back of the store because I see people in Wal-Marts that I never see out on the street. And I never see them leave the store either.
As for the battlefield location, I had heard about it but thought it was shot down. Apparently it's back. I hope it doesn't fly.
I love going to Wal*Mart. There are some that are trashy and some that are nice. The condition of a given Wal*Mart usually adequately reflects its neighborhood, in my estimation. They usually hire locally. If the employees care about keeping a place clean, then the place stays clean. If the employees don't give a rat's patootie, then chances are the rats are probably welcome.
Some things scale very well. Imagine an ACE bandage (I've worked with them a LOT in the last week :) ). Now imagine how much trouble it would be to make one from scratch. Or how expensive it would be if you tried to just make ONE.
But we don't. Somebody somewhere makes millions of them a year. So they get a process, streamline the production, tweak it a lot, and they can crank out these awesome babies for less than a dollar, then sell it for three dollars and provide jobs for marketing people, HR folks, IT, distribution, PR, legal, shelf-stockers, managers and what-not.
Wal*Mart is the streamlined process of mass distribution of goods. They do it well. I can shop for my groceries, clothes, electronics, books, gift cards, and if I wanted to, get a haircut, do my banking, see the doctor, get my eyes checked and get an oil change. Talk about mastering scale.
With all the hubbub about going green and conserving fuel, why doesn't Wal*Mart get a gold star for making it so easy for people to get so much done in one trip?
Even if it is on a battleground.
Your reasons for hating Wal-Mart are the same reasons why my wife and I hate it. Overall, it's just not that great of a store to visit. The hard part of avoiding it is the fact that it's two blocks from our house. When I'm making mojitos and I need limes, the self checkout is quick (most of the time) and it's nice to get 6 limes for $1 when I'm using a ton of them in one night.
Uh, scratch that last line (admitting to being a cheap price whore for a few items)
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