Social Media Boycott of Walmart
I was reading up on social media events these past couple of days when I came across this article by USA Today called "Walmart's 'Impeach 45' apparel causes social media outcry, calls for boycott of retailer". It was all about how Walmart (Wally World for some of us) has been selling items of clothing for babies and young adults with slogans about impeaching the President of the United States. Slogans like Impeach 45 or 45 You're Fired, which turned up to be a downfall for Walmart's marketing idea.
Some Trump supporters saw these things on Walmart's website and took it to twitter so that more people could see what they were doing. To not much surprise the social media universe took this and went off on Walmart starting a boycott of the store for selling these products.
What amazed me even more is that this same third-party company made some of the "Make America Great Again" products as well. This also isn't the first time and will probably not be the last time Walmart is boycott for some products that they sell. I guess Walmart has sold some other very touchy subject types of shirts and other items. Things that seem like they are advocates for boycotts, rebellion, and violence. Walmart says they aren't advocates for these things, but then why do they sell these products?
For myself, I was caught off guard by these items. With Walmart being close in Lima and Ottawa for me I go there quite a few times and have never seen any items like these being sold. I also understand the social media outrage with Walmart for wanting to sell these items. It does make you start to wonder why Walmart is trying to force more tension in the political realm when they have nothing to do with politics.
This does show that social media is a huge strength in society and can make or hurt a company in some type of way. Most boycotts don't do damage in the long run, because people are still going to shop at Walmart. I know I will probably still go when I am bored or just need something cheap to pick up.
Of course, I am just one man and who really knows what the social media universe can do if they put their heads together to do something. Social Media in my mind can change the world as we know it and that is kind of a scary thing. Well that's all I have to say about that, those were just my thoughts and I am sticking with it.
What amazed me even more is that this same third-party company made some of the "Make America Great Again" products as well. This also isn't the first time and will probably not be the last time Walmart is boycott for some products that they sell. I guess Walmart has sold some other very touchy subject types of shirts and other items. Things that seem like they are advocates for boycotts, rebellion, and violence. Walmart says they aren't advocates for these things, but then why do they sell these products?
For myself, I was caught off guard by these items. With Walmart being close in Lima and Ottawa for me I go there quite a few times and have never seen any items like these being sold. I also understand the social media outrage with Walmart for wanting to sell these items. It does make you start to wonder why Walmart is trying to force more tension in the political realm when they have nothing to do with politics.
This does show that social media is a huge strength in society and can make or hurt a company in some type of way. Most boycotts don't do damage in the long run, because people are still going to shop at Walmart. I know I will probably still go when I am bored or just need something cheap to pick up.
Of course, I am just one man and who really knows what the social media universe can do if they put their heads together to do something. Social Media in my mind can change the world as we know it and that is kind of a scary thing. Well that's all I have to say about that, those were just my thoughts and I am sticking with it.
Interesting! I never thought about if Walmart was doing it on purpose. I have never seen any of these items either. Social media is definitely a way for the word to spread quickly when it comes to things that people do not like.
ReplyDeleteI too never thought if it was happening on purpose! Being a social media minor and working in social media i realize now how quickly word spreads on social media versus anywhere else. If you want to get the word out about something definitely take it to social media, Twitter specifically in this generation! LOL
ReplyDeleteI have not seen these items in Walmart either but there have been other reasons that I have thought about boycotting Walmart. I disagree with some of their employee treatment but in reality, I end up going where I can find the product the cheapest. I admire those that have the strength (and funds) to boycott when they are offended.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting article. I, too, have never really noticed products such as this being sold at any of the Walmart's I visit. However, I also do not go to Walmart looking for these specific products either. I do agree that Walmart has no real business being political. I think that if businesses are going to sell political products that they should sell things for both sides to purchase. If not, you are just starting another fire. That is my personal belief.
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