Volcano Boy Presents Wal-Mart: the High Cost of Low Price

Some of you may have noticed the little smile face thing that has lurked over there in the sidebar for some time. You may also have noticed that it has become a large smiley face thing tonight. In either case now you have certainly noticed, and here’s what its all about. On Wednesday November 16th, Duncan Arsenault and I, through our company The Volcano Boy Media Network and in conjunction with Ralph’s Diner will be presenting a screening of Director Robert Greenwald’s latest documentary, Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price. When the opportunity to host the film was made available to me, I was a little bit torn. Anyone who knows me can attest to me being a Capitalist through and through. But there is something about this company that has always struck a negative chord with me. I think we have to be honest and accept that as a business model, Wal-Mart is pure genius. From their shipping infrastructure to their pricing, they are able to provide their customers with unparalleled service. But they also have unparalleled ability to lay waste to local economies and permanently change local landscapes. As Wal-Mart has made a concerted effort to move from their traditional rural developments into the urban market place, it’s more important than ever to take a look at this company and make educated decisions as to whether the services they offer truly out way the potential damage they can do.

It’s no secret that Wal-Mart has, through it’s development partners scoped out Worcester proper for a potential site. The area most often talked about is the former Wyman Gordon location in Green Island. If the recent campaign Wal-Mart fought to enter into the Chicago market is any indication, they are taking the urban frontier very seriously. So should we.

So please put aside Wednesday, November 16th to come down to Ralph’s Diner and take in one side of the Wal-Mart story, it may not be the side of the story the company wants you to hear and it doesn’t have to be the side of the story that you subscribe to. But sooner or later it’s going to be a story that all of us in Worcester find ourselves a part of. After the movie our host Dickie “the most unfortunately named man in Worcester” Cummings will have a collection of great bands for you and as always the Ralph’s Diner grill will be ablaze and the libations flowing. It’s sure be a great night with the potential to spur some great local debate.

RSVP for the show here

Official Volcano Boy Press Release

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Post by: Brendan | October 25, 2005 | Filed Under The Big Woo, movies, politics 

Comments

2 Responses to “Volcano Boy Presents Wal-Mart: the High Cost of Low Price”

  1. PPB on October 27th, 2005 4:17 pm

    This just got put up at a blog nearby, a couple Wal-Mart supporters put together a documentary of their own.

    Info around here: http://www.cinematical.com/2005/10/27/wal-mart-strikes-back-against-documentary/

  2. Paxton on October 27th, 2005 4:33 pm

    Interesting. I’m sure Wal-Mart will have a significant PR roll out soon. They seem to be getting hit from all sides over the last few weeks.



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