Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyJune 22nd, 2007
CNNMoney reports that Wal-Mart has capitulated to the homophobic demands of anti-gay activists:
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has decided to curb its support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) organizations after conservative Christian groups threatened a boycott, and after some of its own employees expressed disapproval.
Well I guess I won’t be shopping at Wal-Mart. I don’t give my business to stores whose employees don’t approve of me and who value the bigotry of their employees over fairness and decency towards their customers. So good-bye Wal-Mart, hello Target.
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Kevin
June 23rd, 2007
Simply not shopping there will, unfortunately, not give them much of a message. We should have used the same tactics the fundies used – whined about the merchandise targeting their community, complained that the store was “taking sides” on a “controversial issue” by explaining that con-servative “christians” theology is a controversial and political topic, and been willing to picket their ass for catering to right-wing bigots only.
I’m not surprised that WalMart did this at all. Perhaps if more of us would send letters explaining that we cannot contribute money to retailers who encourage employees to practice discrimination – and companies whose own policies regarding all employees and customers is controversial, something might sink into their heads.
Businesses are not without creating controversy of their own – and certainly WalMart has created its share of that controversy with a slew of unpopular policies. As their market becomes increasingly beholden to the homophobic bigots who enjoy buying items made in China, the chain’s growth rate will stagnate. I already know too many people who have, for a variety of reasons, completely stopped shopping there or drastically cut back the money spent in their stores.
Any national retailer which attempts to create a niche market among fundies alone is going to struggle in the long term. WalMart already has a coalition of opposition among many types of Americans, including some conservatives who don’t like their cut-throat marketing tactics and the way they damage small businesses. Others will not support the retailer because of outrageous employment policies.
This gives us an opportunity to start questioning the company about their contributions to events supported by fundie political action committees disguised as “churches.” And an opportunity to spend our money in places which treat our lives as if they are own, rather than “controversial” simply because some yahoo across town can’t keep his nose on his own face.
Liadan
June 24th, 2007
Target has better merchandise / labor practices / in-store decor / etc. at any rate. Also, no infernal smiley faces.
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