Friday, April 07, 2006
Reading Response - Walmart: The High Cost of a a Low Price - Post it here.
Somebody asked for more info about the director...
Here's the website for the film.
Here's the film's media page, which includes outtakes, interviews with the director, reviews by television personalities like Bill O'Reilly and the guys from the Daily Show, and what appears to be some inspired-by fan films.
Director Robert Greenwald's Weblog is here.
Greenwald's filmography is available at the Internet Movie Database. Hard to believe, but he directed Xanadu (1980).
By the way, IMDB is great place to find out that name of that guy who starred in that one movie that you can quite remember the name of but know Steve Buscemi was in it.
READING RESPONSE PROMPT
I'd like us to use this film in two ways. First, I'd like us to consider it as a model for the varieties of arguments available to us as rhetors. Second, I want us to consider some of the issues it raises and how they fit within the theme of our class. As you answer the following prompts, keep in mind that our purpose is to generate questions that could be used by your classmates as a jumping off point for our final essay. Here's an example to illustrate what I have in mind: Walmart: The High Cost of a Low Price explores how a particular business affects small communities. Can you think of an example of how some business or industry has affected, for better or worse, and in ways that people may not be immediately aware, the community in which you live?
Two parts
1. Identify, in a sentence or two, how the film explicitly or implictly employs each of the following argument types:
Argument of Definition (X is or is not Y) - See chapter 5 for details
Causal Argument (X caused Y; X,Y,Z caused A; X has the effect of A, B, C)-See chapter 6 for more
Evaluation Argument (X is the best; X is a good/bad thing, etc.)-See chapter 7
Proposal Argument (We/you/this group should do X)-See chapter 10
Argument to Explore-An argument that explores an issue without necessarily reaching any conclusions
Narrative Argument (I didn't bring this one up in class, but have a look at chapter 8)
2. I mentioned in class that this film addresses the issue of corporate responsibility. I would suggest that this is the over-arching theme of the doc. What are some of the other themes raised by this film (e.g. sexism in hiring practices)? List at least three. ¶ 7:46 AM
Here's the website for the film.
Here's the film's media page, which includes outtakes, interviews with the director, reviews by television personalities like Bill O'Reilly and the guys from the Daily Show, and what appears to be some inspired-by fan films.
Director Robert Greenwald's Weblog is here.
Greenwald's filmography is available at the Internet Movie Database. Hard to believe, but he directed Xanadu (1980).
By the way, IMDB is great place to find out that name of that guy who starred in that one movie that you can quite remember the name of but know Steve Buscemi was in it.
READING RESPONSE PROMPT
I'd like us to use this film in two ways. First, I'd like us to consider it as a model for the varieties of arguments available to us as rhetors. Second, I want us to consider some of the issues it raises and how they fit within the theme of our class. As you answer the following prompts, keep in mind that our purpose is to generate questions that could be used by your classmates as a jumping off point for our final essay. Here's an example to illustrate what I have in mind: Walmart: The High Cost of a Low Price explores how a particular business affects small communities. Can you think of an example of how some business or industry has affected, for better or worse, and in ways that people may not be immediately aware, the community in which you live?
Two parts
1. Identify, in a sentence or two, how the film explicitly or implictly employs each of the following argument types:
Argument of Definition (X is or is not Y) - See chapter 5 for details
Causal Argument (X caused Y; X,Y,Z caused A; X has the effect of A, B, C)-See chapter 6 for more
Evaluation Argument (X is the best; X is a good/bad thing, etc.)-See chapter 7
Proposal Argument (We/you/this group should do X)-See chapter 10
Argument to Explore-An argument that explores an issue without necessarily reaching any conclusions
Narrative Argument (I didn't bring this one up in class, but have a look at chapter 8)
2. I mentioned in class that this film addresses the issue of corporate responsibility. I would suggest that this is the over-arching theme of the doc. What are some of the other themes raised by this film (e.g. sexism in hiring practices)? List at least three. ¶ 7:46 AM
Comments:
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Mira Patel
In the High Cost of Low Prices the argument of definition is that wal-mart is a monopoly. The causal argument is that when a wal-mart comes into a town it closes all the ma and pa shops down. The evaluation argument is that wal-mart is a monopoly and monopolies are bad. The proposal argument is that wal-mart workers should form a union for fair wages and hours and we as a nation should boycott shopping at wal-mart. The argument to explore is that in the us the wal-mart workers do not have a union but in europe they do. The narrative argument is workers rights, undocumented workers,and practices of monopolies.
In the High Cost of Low Prices the argument of definition is that wal-mart is a monopoly. The causal argument is that when a wal-mart comes into a town it closes all the ma and pa shops down. The evaluation argument is that wal-mart is a monopoly and monopolies are bad. The proposal argument is that wal-mart workers should form a union for fair wages and hours and we as a nation should boycott shopping at wal-mart. The argument to explore is that in the us the wal-mart workers do not have a union but in europe they do. The narrative argument is workers rights, undocumented workers,and practices of monopolies.
# posted by 
: 11:48 AM
: 11:48 AM
1. In Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices there are several arguments made by the film:
Argument by Definition: Walmart is a coporation that doesn't care for it's employees.
Causal Argument: Walmart doesn't pay its employees enough money to afford Walmart's health insurance, thus Walmart employees must look to government funded programs for money and health insurance.
Evaluation Argument: Big Corporations are bad for small business owners. Walmart is the worst for small business owners.
Proposal Argument: The people should put pressure on legislators to put regulations on big coporations like Walmart.
Argument to Explore: Walmart is a big coporation that makes many influential investors and people very wealthy.
Narrative Argument: Walmart doesn't have any female employees in high level management positions. (As stated by one of the female employees who experienced this first hand.)
Other themes mentioned in the movies include, racism in the workplace, fair wages, and worker unions.
Argument by Definition: Walmart is a coporation that doesn't care for it's employees.
Causal Argument: Walmart doesn't pay its employees enough money to afford Walmart's health insurance, thus Walmart employees must look to government funded programs for money and health insurance.
Evaluation Argument: Big Corporations are bad for small business owners. Walmart is the worst for small business owners.
Proposal Argument: The people should put pressure on legislators to put regulations on big coporations like Walmart.
Argument to Explore: Walmart is a big coporation that makes many influential investors and people very wealthy.
Narrative Argument: Walmart doesn't have any female employees in high level management positions. (As stated by one of the female employees who experienced this first hand.)
Other themes mentioned in the movies include, racism in the workplace, fair wages, and worker unions.
# posted by : 10:35 AM
: 10:35 AM
Allison Monteith
1. Argument from Definition: Walmart's actions are an example of an unfair monopoly over smalltown ma and pa stores.
2. Causal Argument: Walmart caused the demise of unique, family-owned businesses.
3. Evaluative argment: walmart's treatment of people both internally and externally is illegal...
4. proposal argument: ...and should be monitored closely by the government
5. explore argument: Employers may feel differently if they had fair, unbias information about the union and not the skewed view given by Walmart instructional videos.
6. narrative argument: outsiders don't know the full extent of what goes on behind closed doors at Walmart locations.
other issues: unfair treatment of women in the work world, public ignorance of business practices, how large chain corporations change America's society
1. Argument from Definition: Walmart's actions are an example of an unfair monopoly over smalltown ma and pa stores.
2. Causal Argument: Walmart caused the demise of unique, family-owned businesses.
3. Evaluative argment: walmart's treatment of people both internally and externally is illegal...
4. proposal argument: ...and should be monitored closely by the government
5. explore argument: Employers may feel differently if they had fair, unbias information about the union and not the skewed view given by Walmart instructional videos.
6. narrative argument: outsiders don't know the full extent of what goes on behind closed doors at Walmart locations.
other issues: unfair treatment of women in the work world, public ignorance of business practices, how large chain corporations change America's society
# posted by : 12:44 PM
: 12:44 PM
Amy Neyhard
1. Argument by Definition- The film is trying to argue that Walmart is being unfair to their employees.
2. Causal Argument- by Walmart coming into small towns, it has caused all small town stores to shut there doors. This has effect on the whole community.
3. Evaluation Argument- This film is taking numerous reasons to prove that Walmart is a bad thing.
4. Proposal Argument- This film is trying to not only inform the public about these good reasons but they do it in hopes of people boycotting Walmart.
5. Argument to Explore- This whole film is an argument to explore. The film never comes up with a conclusion to the problems. It just provides ideas for people to think about in hopes of ending the problems.
6. Narrative Argument- dido what I just said.
2. Racism within the work place, Loss of small town values, Unfair employee benefits
1. Argument by Definition- The film is trying to argue that Walmart is being unfair to their employees.
2. Causal Argument- by Walmart coming into small towns, it has caused all small town stores to shut there doors. This has effect on the whole community.
3. Evaluation Argument- This film is taking numerous reasons to prove that Walmart is a bad thing.
4. Proposal Argument- This film is trying to not only inform the public about these good reasons but they do it in hopes of people boycotting Walmart.
5. Argument to Explore- This whole film is an argument to explore. The film never comes up with a conclusion to the problems. It just provides ideas for people to think about in hopes of ending the problems.
6. Narrative Argument- dido what I just said.
2. Racism within the work place, Loss of small town values, Unfair employee benefits
# posted by : 12:48 PM
: 12:48 PM
--Mark Arnold--
Arguement of Definition:
The movie is arguing that Wal-Mart employees are treated more unfairly in all aspects than a majority of all other companies of that size and compatability.
Casual Argument:
Wal-Mart only cares for its bottome line: the most profit possible.
Evaluation Argument:
Understanding the botched health-care system for employees' families, the employee's are forced to use the government for assistance.
Proposal Argument:
The film hopes to make the public aware of the immoral practices Wal-Mart uses, to promote changes in the company.
Argument to Explore:
The founder, Sam Walton might not have agreed with the direction the company is moving.
Narrative Argument:
Wal-Mart is strictly against unions as explained by the testamonials.
2.) a. against unions
b. no communication among employees
c. unethical practices of manipulating hour data.
Arguement of Definition:
The movie is arguing that Wal-Mart employees are treated more unfairly in all aspects than a majority of all other companies of that size and compatability.
Casual Argument:
Wal-Mart only cares for its bottome line: the most profit possible.
Evaluation Argument:
Understanding the botched health-care system for employees' families, the employee's are forced to use the government for assistance.
Proposal Argument:
The film hopes to make the public aware of the immoral practices Wal-Mart uses, to promote changes in the company.
Argument to Explore:
The founder, Sam Walton might not have agreed with the direction the company is moving.
Narrative Argument:
Wal-Mart is strictly against unions as explained by the testamonials.
2.) a. against unions
b. no communication among employees
c. unethical practices of manipulating hour data.
# posted by : 5:41 PM
: 5:41 PM
1.
--Argument of Definition: The film explores what a corporation should really be under capitalism.
--Causal Argument: The limited medical benefits Wal-Mart offers to it's employees has caused thousands of employees and their families in every state to struggle to pay medical bills and/or seek aid from the state.
--Evaluation Argument: The way Wal Mart treats it's employees through limited medical benefits, hours, and docked over-time is a bad thing that the Wal-Mart Corp. is guilty of because it benefits them economically.
--Proposal Argument: Because of all these things, we should not shop at Wal-Mart and support local businesses.
--Arguments to Explore: The issue of illegal immigrants used for nighttime janitorial work was explored but not thoroughly. It further explored Wal-Mart's inhumane actions.
--Narrative Argument: The film employs a narrative argument through it's tone (sad, realistic) and images (deserted main streets). The story of the smalltown hardware store at the beginning allows you to infer that the filmaker believes that local businesses shutting down due to corporate monopoly is a bad thing.
2.
-CORPS and CAPTIALISM: SHould there be restrictions placed on corporations in a capitalist society?
-RIGHT TO COLLETICTIVELY BARGAIN: Isn't it illegal for Wal-Mart to make such a strong effort to snub Unions?
-Exploitation of poor/needy people and families
--Argument of Definition: The film explores what a corporation should really be under capitalism.
--Causal Argument: The limited medical benefits Wal-Mart offers to it's employees has caused thousands of employees and their families in every state to struggle to pay medical bills and/or seek aid from the state.
--Evaluation Argument: The way Wal Mart treats it's employees through limited medical benefits, hours, and docked over-time is a bad thing that the Wal-Mart Corp. is guilty of because it benefits them economically.
--Proposal Argument: Because of all these things, we should not shop at Wal-Mart and support local businesses.
--Arguments to Explore: The issue of illegal immigrants used for nighttime janitorial work was explored but not thoroughly. It further explored Wal-Mart's inhumane actions.
--Narrative Argument: The film employs a narrative argument through it's tone (sad, realistic) and images (deserted main streets). The story of the smalltown hardware store at the beginning allows you to infer that the filmaker believes that local businesses shutting down due to corporate monopoly is a bad thing.
2.
-CORPS and CAPTIALISM: SHould there be restrictions placed on corporations in a capitalist society?
-RIGHT TO COLLETICTIVELY BARGAIN: Isn't it illegal for Wal-Mart to make such a strong effort to snub Unions?
-Exploitation of poor/needy people and families
# posted by : 11:44 PM
: 11:44 PM
April Dominick:
1.The documentary, Wal Mart: The High Cost of a Low Price, contains many types rheotrical arguments including:
Argument: Large corporations are taking advantage of employers because they do not pay them for overtime, squelch unions and fail to provide affordable health care.
Causal: The existence of large corporations cuases a minority of the community to do well and the majority of the community to suffer-both as employers and townsmembers.
Evaluation Argument: Asking employees by changing the number of hours they worked in overtime is bad because it is cheating other workers of valuable money, encouraging distrust among employees and increases the gap between manager and associates.
Proposal Argument: Wal Mart should allow minimal unions because it would decrease the need for “conspirators” among employees, increase the chances of employee-employer cooperation and overall improve the Wal Mart workplace.
Argument to Explore: Large corporations are a major reason why small companies are forced to shut down.
Narrative Argument: Benefits for employees must be better defined and clear because it is inhumane to treat employees with disrepect, take advantage of them and force them to seek other help for their sick and hungry family.
2. Other themes discussed in the documentary, Wal Mart: The High Cost of a Low Price inlcude greediness, bulliness, and illegal practices.
1.The documentary, Wal Mart: The High Cost of a Low Price, contains many types rheotrical arguments including:
Argument: Large corporations are taking advantage of employers because they do not pay them for overtime, squelch unions and fail to provide affordable health care.
Causal: The existence of large corporations cuases a minority of the community to do well and the majority of the community to suffer-both as employers and townsmembers.
Evaluation Argument: Asking employees by changing the number of hours they worked in overtime is bad because it is cheating other workers of valuable money, encouraging distrust among employees and increases the gap between manager and associates.
Proposal Argument: Wal Mart should allow minimal unions because it would decrease the need for “conspirators” among employees, increase the chances of employee-employer cooperation and overall improve the Wal Mart workplace.
Argument to Explore: Large corporations are a major reason why small companies are forced to shut down.
Narrative Argument: Benefits for employees must be better defined and clear because it is inhumane to treat employees with disrepect, take advantage of them and force them to seek other help for their sick and hungry family.
2. Other themes discussed in the documentary, Wal Mart: The High Cost of a Low Price inlcude greediness, bulliness, and illegal practices.
# posted by : 7:14 AM
: 7:14 AM
April Narvaez:
1. Definition: Wal-Mart is gaining a monopoly in the American market which is bad for other straggling businesses.
Causal: Because Wal-Mart does not pay their employees enough, they are promoting the use of tax payer's fees through supporting a bulk of their workers.
Evaluation: Wal-mart is best left to be kept as a non-expanding business, for its growth inhibits that of smaller businesses.
Proposal: Wal-Mart should pay their workers more so that they don't feed off of the government system and cause them to be further in poverty.
Argument to Explore: Is wal-mart growing too much and monopolizing the economy? Are they encouraging their employees to utilize government assistance while paying MINIMUM wage?
Narrative: The film tells the story of a small family business being cut off by the giant of wal-mart seeking to blow the competition out of the water...more than just a few businesses left at a loss-how they feel and are coping.
2.) ~American ideal of getting paid what you earn-> 40 hours, you get paid 40 hours, you get overtime if you work overtime etc.
~idea of having a job and being able to meet bills and insurance, should be able to get a decent living and NOT live off of welfare.
~"dispensiblity" of females as unneccesary team-members /useless even outside of leadership positions- women inferiority
1. Definition: Wal-Mart is gaining a monopoly in the American market which is bad for other straggling businesses.
Causal: Because Wal-Mart does not pay their employees enough, they are promoting the use of tax payer's fees through supporting a bulk of their workers.
Evaluation: Wal-mart is best left to be kept as a non-expanding business, for its growth inhibits that of smaller businesses.
Proposal: Wal-Mart should pay their workers more so that they don't feed off of the government system and cause them to be further in poverty.
Argument to Explore: Is wal-mart growing too much and monopolizing the economy? Are they encouraging their employees to utilize government assistance while paying MINIMUM wage?
Narrative: The film tells the story of a small family business being cut off by the giant of wal-mart seeking to blow the competition out of the water...more than just a few businesses left at a loss-how they feel and are coping.
2.) ~American ideal of getting paid what you earn-> 40 hours, you get paid 40 hours, you get overtime if you work overtime etc.
~idea of having a job and being able to meet bills and insurance, should be able to get a decent living and NOT live off of welfare.
~"dispensiblity" of females as unneccesary team-members /useless even outside of leadership positions- women inferiority
# posted by : 11:13 AM
: 11:13 AM
Kristi Nesbitt
Argument of definition- The film illustrates the unfair conditions and circumstances imposed by the monopolistic corporation, Wal Mart
Causal Argument: The extremely large and successful corporation causes smaller, local businesses to go out of business
evaluation argument: The poor benefits and treatment offered to Wal-mart employees is wrong and immoral
Proposal argument: Wal0Mart workers should form a union to deman workers' rights
Argument to explore: Wal-mart discriminates against workers in order to seek higher overal profits. This is not right, but no actions or conclusions have been made
Narrative argument: expected benefits and working conditions should be better outlined in order to create a better workplace and respected corporation
Other issues:
Morality: right and wrong
sexism/racism/discrimination
American values and standards
Argument of definition- The film illustrates the unfair conditions and circumstances imposed by the monopolistic corporation, Wal Mart
Causal Argument: The extremely large and successful corporation causes smaller, local businesses to go out of business
evaluation argument: The poor benefits and treatment offered to Wal-mart employees is wrong and immoral
Proposal argument: Wal0Mart workers should form a union to deman workers' rights
Argument to explore: Wal-mart discriminates against workers in order to seek higher overal profits. This is not right, but no actions or conclusions have been made
Narrative argument: expected benefits and working conditions should be better outlined in order to create a better workplace and respected corporation
Other issues:
Morality: right and wrong
sexism/racism/discrimination
American values and standards
# posted by : 11:43 AM
: 11:43 AM
Olga Ioudina
Argument of Definition: WalMart is a monopoly, that represents a threat to other business and causes smaller businesses to go out of business.
Argument of Evaluation: "low wages, low morals," "do more with less," and cheating on the over-time pay.
Proposal Argument: government should have more control over monopolies, such as WalMart; also all the employees suggest that they should have a better insurance and health benefits from the company.
Argument to Explore: WalMart = Monopoly; what are the different approaches to solve that (ex: gvmt control). Also, how fare are the employees treated.
Argument of Cause/Effect: WalMart destroyed small businesses and force each one of them out.
Narrative Argument: discrimintation based on sex and race.
Other Issues:
- Assault on families and Am. Values
- Wage and benefit issues
- Opportunity for a change (Unions)
Argument of Definition: WalMart is a monopoly, that represents a threat to other business and causes smaller businesses to go out of business.
Argument of Evaluation: "low wages, low morals," "do more with less," and cheating on the over-time pay.
Proposal Argument: government should have more control over monopolies, such as WalMart; also all the employees suggest that they should have a better insurance and health benefits from the company.
Argument to Explore: WalMart = Monopoly; what are the different approaches to solve that (ex: gvmt control). Also, how fare are the employees treated.
Argument of Cause/Effect: WalMart destroyed small businesses and force each one of them out.
Narrative Argument: discrimintation based on sex and race.
Other Issues:
- Assault on families and Am. Values
- Wage and benefit issues
- Opportunity for a change (Unions)
# posted by : 12:32 PM
: 12:32 PM
1. Definition: Walmart does not pay their associates for overtime work.
Causal: Because walmart does not pay their associates enough for their labor, associates cannot afford the Walmart Health insurance packet, and as a result workers are forced to enroll in government assistance programs.
Evaluative: Walmart intentionally goes into small towns to ruin the small business competition.
Argument to Explore: Walmart cannot offer their customers the knowledge and quality service that other small businesses can.
Narrative: Walmart spends a lot of money keeping their associates away from unions.
2. Discrimination against women, racism, and lack of unions.
Causal: Because walmart does not pay their associates enough for their labor, associates cannot afford the Walmart Health insurance packet, and as a result workers are forced to enroll in government assistance programs.
Evaluative: Walmart intentionally goes into small towns to ruin the small business competition.
Argument to Explore: Walmart cannot offer their customers the knowledge and quality service that other small businesses can.
Narrative: Walmart spends a lot of money keeping their associates away from unions.
2. Discrimination against women, racism, and lack of unions.
# posted by : 12:45 PM
: 12:45 PM
Erin Ruthe
1. Def: Wal-Mart is a monopoly.
Causal: Wal-Mart causes its employees to work unpaid overtime hours and deny them benefits to which they are entitled.
Eval: Wal-Mart is best at keeping its prices low because their employees get the shaft.
Prop: We should travel across America and unite small towns against Wal-Mart and hold international boycotts to destroy the evil all-consuming anti-Americana monster that is Wal-Mart and implode at least twenty percent of their buildings. Okay, granted I mostly wrote that sentence just so I could use the word Americana, but we should at least draw more legislative attention to the wrongdoings of Wal-Mart against its employees.
Explore: See above
Narrative: I was particularly bothered that Wal-Mart did not pay its employees enough to survive without government aid, and someone - anyone - needs to come in to increase wages, somehow.
2. robbing small town America
racism in the work environment
encouragement of low wages
1. Def: Wal-Mart is a monopoly.
Causal: Wal-Mart causes its employees to work unpaid overtime hours and deny them benefits to which they are entitled.
Eval: Wal-Mart is best at keeping its prices low because their employees get the shaft.
Prop: We should travel across America and unite small towns against Wal-Mart and hold international boycotts to destroy the evil all-consuming anti-Americana monster that is Wal-Mart and implode at least twenty percent of their buildings. Okay, granted I mostly wrote that sentence just so I could use the word Americana, but we should at least draw more legislative attention to the wrongdoings of Wal-Mart against its employees.
Explore: See above
Narrative: I was particularly bothered that Wal-Mart did not pay its employees enough to survive without government aid, and someone - anyone - needs to come in to increase wages, somehow.
2. robbing small town America
racism in the work environment
encouragement of low wages
# posted by : 12:57 PM
: 12:57 PM
Ewaen Woghiren
1. Defintion argument: Wal-Mart is a self-satisfying corporation
Casual argument; Wal-mart wrongly uses its assciates to improve their status
Evaluation argument: Wal-mart docks to health care benefts of its associates to gain more profits
Proposal argument: People should boycott the corporation
Argument to explore: Wal-Mart top executives are dont show integrit in their dealins with associates
Narrative: Wal-Mart does not does a horrible job of taking care of its associates even though it makes billions of dollars a year
themes associated are racism, greed, immorals
Post a Comment
1. Defintion argument: Wal-Mart is a self-satisfying corporation
Casual argument; Wal-mart wrongly uses its assciates to improve their status
Evaluation argument: Wal-mart docks to health care benefts of its associates to gain more profits
Proposal argument: People should boycott the corporation
Argument to explore: Wal-Mart top executives are dont show integrit in their dealins with associates
Narrative: Wal-Mart does not does a horrible job of taking care of its associates even though it makes billions of dollars a year
themes associated are racism, greed, immorals
# posted by : 1:09 PM
: 1:09 PMSubscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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