Walmart’s Bunker Mentality

August 7, 2012 in Labor & Economy

On the heels of Walmart’s 50th birthday, several writers have examined the outsized wealth accumulated by six members of the Walton family, the clan that exercises controlling interest over the retail giant. The University of Californian, Berkeley’s Sylvia Allegretto, for example, has written that even as their fellow members of the Forbes 400 club lost wealth between 2007 and 2010, the Walton heirs actually accumulated more.

Meanwhile, Josh Bivens of the Economic Policy Institute notes the Walton family wealth is now “as large the bottom 48.8 million families in . . . wealth distribution (constituting 41.5 percent of all American families) combined.” We took a few of these stats to have some fun picturing how they might play out back at Walmart HQ in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Tags: Walmart LA

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http://www.facebook.com/bill.imada Bill Imada

To compare anyone to the atrocities committed by the Nazis goes beyond any level of decency and sensibility. This is disgusting and should be removed. Even showing this clip is highly insensitive and inflammatory to a wide array of people.
Greg Jenkins

Nazis, really?! This is inappropriate folks. Nazi terror was about world-wide domination, war, white supremacy and mass murder, not capitalism. Wal-mart may have their own distinct challenges and issues with how they conduct business, but they aren’t Nazis. Bad decision on managements part for marketing your message like this. Come on folks don’t add to the cacophony of the negativity that seems to pervade the the channels of communications. You’re better than this, rise above and inspire, not sink down and wallow.
Priscilla Ouchida

This is offensive on so many levels. It is unconscionable to link the locating of a storefront to the actions of Hitler’s inner circle.
MaryAnne

I just shopped there yesterday to buy school supplies. Saved some money. Didn’t see any Nazis. If we’re talking wealth, it’s what you do with it that matters. If you want to be offended, take a closer look at Sands magnate Sheldon Adelson who is spending $100 million of his own money to buy an election. That just should not be allowed.
Fields Jackson

“We took a few of these stats to have some fun” WOW!!! at whose expense?

My recommendation – as your team was crafting this concept – the few who objected and told the group of the hurt and pain this might cause – should be commended. I know there were those who were overridden, ridiculed and scolded for being soft, sensitive and not willing to make a point at any cost. I have found even in very bad situations – there are true leaders that emerge. My suggestion – find those few voices who objected and encourage a new way of thinking – help turn that ship around at Frying Pan. Hurry, before you starting having more fun with other global atrocities.

Did you hear the story about Idi Amin Dada – stop!!! Not funny or clever – not matter how creative, you think you are
Dennis Huang

I can’t believe how offensive this is. Is Walmart killing a certain group of people? Are they doing anything that’s illegal? This shows that you can’t draw a real comparison and this is the best you can come up with. It disgusts me and I am sure this also disgusts an entire group people.

I guess you really want the publicity…or simply ignorant. If Wal-Mart is so bad, why to people continue to shop there? Why do people work there? Are the employees there any different than the employees at any other retail stores? There are so many choices where people can purchase everyday goods. The business of retailing is shifting. Frankly, it’s evolving. How we consume our goods will continue to change. Will you stop costco, target, netflix, amazon? …heck, let’s stop the innovation of the Internet.
- http://www.facebook.com/allison.whitaker Allison Whitaker
  
  People work there because they HAVE TO WORK. The Waltons take advantage of that by paying shit wages. Most of their employees need food stamps to supplement their “income” to feed their children. Who pays for that??????? YOU DO. I DO. The Waltons with their 21 BILLION dollars in PROFIT don’t. Americans are stupid and lazy. They’ll keep buying cheap crap from China cause its easier than standing up against these giants….You mentioned Cosco. Research them. You will find very happy employees…. Why? because they are paid well and are treated with respect…unlike walmart slaves…
  - Dennis Huang
    
    So why do people work at a place with “shit wages?” Quit. They can work at costco and other better retailers.
Jane Cohen

This is not only offensive, it is deeply hurtful to those who survived the Holocaust and the families of those who perished. To trivialize the Nazi agenda and its horrifying results , by associating it with this message is completely inappropriate. I hope this can be taken down before it is viewed by anyone who lived through that dark time.
Nicki Ung

This is definitely NOT funny. Someone thought it was funny to replay a part of hurtful history. Shame on you guys. You folks are so good at making comparisons. Congratulations… The message was well received. learn to play fair and more appropriately. You folks have reached a new low,nthis is so pathetic I couldn’t even watch past 1 minute of this.
Grace

This is so wrong!!! could someone please take this down as it is so offensive on so many levels…
Anonymous

Have these commenters never seen a Downfall parody?? Who are these people, exactly?!

This was an EXCELLENT Downfall parody video!! And believe me I have seen quite a lot of ‘em.
Quixote

Wow; these commenters are not aware of all internet traditions!

That’s said, FPN should know that Downfall parody videos are so 3 memes ago!
Quixote

Also, could we please order comments oldest first? Youtube comments should not be what you’re going for.
Pat Fong Kushida

This video is extremely offensive. To compare anyone or an organization to the Nazis is not a parody it is human behavior at its worse. Shame on you!