Is it morally irresponsible to shop at Wal-Mart or Abercrombie?

Question

Wal-Mart has been criticized for denying benefits to employees by making sure they aren't allowed to work the number of hours that would push them up to the "full-time worker" level, among other criticisms. Abercrombie has a record for sexually exploitive ads marketed to adolescents and pre-teens, as well as a record of discriminating against certain employees on the basis of their race. Should we be shopping at these places?

Let's face it: every dollar we spend is a vote for or against a certain company. In addition to rewarding companies with quality merchandise at competitive prices, shouldn't we also reward companies that act morally and responsibly?

And don't accuse me of being an anti-capitalist. Nothing I have proposed goes against the tenets of capitalism. This is not about passing laws or fining companies. It's about purchasing power, personal responsibility, and working within the market system.

Also, if you wish to suggest other companies to avoid, please do so.

J · Accepted Answer

In general, it is very responsible to educate yourself about the practices of companies you do business with.

Making sure your money doesn't go where you don't want it to is one of the most powerful things you can do as a consumer. Yes, personally I do not shop at either Wal-Mart (for many reasons--including all you listed) or Abercrombie (mostly because I don't like thier stuff, so it those other issues don't matter to me since I wouldn't want to shop there anyway).

Anonymous · Answer

Why would you think that an accusation of being anti-capitalism, is a bad thing? I am anti-capitalism, and I am proud of it. I believe that people are millions of times more important than the "bottom line" and any company that puts the bottom line ahead of people, is evil. You can still make a good amount of money without treating people like chattel. You can take good care of your people and still get wealthy...maybe not obscenely wealthy, but wealthy enough. 

Anyway,  I do believe that it is morally irresponsible to Shop at Walmart or Abercrombie! Unfortunately, when your income is below the median, you honestly don't have the choices people in a higher income bracket have. I don't shop at Abercrombie, but I can't afford not to take advantage of Walmart's lower prices, even though I know that it is wrong.

Anonymous · Answer

Thats why I don't shop at either. I also don't buy Tyson products due to their notorius reputation for shipping illegals in by the truckload. Yes, every dollar is vote. Be informed!

Johnny L · Answer

yes it is. I try not to shop at walmart, but sometimes I have to in order to eat. As for Abercrombie, theres no purpose in shopping there.

Anonymous · Answer

Nope I shop wherever it is most convenient for me. If people dont like the way they are treated they can find a job elsewhere. Thats not my problem.

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Is it morally irresponsible to shop at Wal-Mart or Abercrombie?

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