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I haven't shopped at Wal-Mart in years because I'm not a fan of their business practices. I won't go into the whole shebang because I could probably talk for hours. But, yeah. I'm not a fan of Wal-Mart.
In general, I will not patronize a business if I disagree with their politics or social stance. Today, I found out that Target and Best Buy both donated a ton of money to the campaign of a political candidate who supports a constitutional amendment that bans gay marriage.
I never really shopped at Best Buy, but buh-bye Target. And that makes me sad. I loved me some Target.
So I will stop giving a store my business if/when I find out stuff like this. Unfortunately, sometimes I feel like a hypocrite, because I don't know the political practices of most of the businesses I patronize. I should start researching, but I shop a LOT. I feel like all I'd be doing is research - for the rest of my life.
Yea, it seems like if you really wanted to take this seriously, then you would never be able to shop anywhere or you would be researching ALL the time!
I think its great to stand up for what you believe in, and put your money where your mouth is. However, I think so many of these companies have shell companies, etc that you would never be able to find out about (well within a reasonable about of research).
I don't split things up by political party, to me, that's way to broad and a sweeping generalization.
If you figure things that way, then you essentially won't be able to shop at 50% of stores. And what about their employees? Some employees are of either political party.
If it is something very specific though (such is if they themselves organized Westboro Baptist Church style protest), rather than in a round-about way donating to something that 3 steps down the line was something you were against.
And for what it's worth, do you really agree 100% with either political party? Not many do, most choose what they feel is the "lesser of 2 evils". There's no way I could completely align myself politically with a single party's ideas, and I think most people are like that.
If you don't mine me asking, where'd you find the information about what they donated and to what political party?
Also I wonder, where do you draw the line? I often think this when I see PETA members saying how evil farmers are, yet they are more than willing to eat crops grown by farmers (and many independent farmers raise both crops and cattle), so they are still "supporting" the same farmers by buying soy.
How far are you going to be willing to take your research? Would you not buy food from certain companies becuase the farmers were of a different political party than you?
Sorry if I'm ranting. One thing I hate is the "us versus them" mentality between the political parties and their members. I think we all need to work together. Remember "united we stand".
I'm not saying you have to agree with everything the opposing party says/does (heck, I don't think people even agree with their everything their own political party does), but also don't automatically see the other political party or it's members as the enemy. (And for what it's worth, I'd say the vast majority of young conservatives are in support of gay marriage, but it's the older folks holding back, and it's the older folks who are the ones running for office or in office for the last 30 years.)
Washington (CNN) - Retail giant Target has said it is "sorry" after the company donated money to a group that backs a candidate who opposes same-sex marriage.
The candidate, Tom Emmer, hopes to win Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary.
On Thursday, Gregg Steinhafel – the company's chairman, CEO and president – issued an apology to Target managers and other employees. The letter addresses Target's $150,000 contribution to a group called MN Forward.
"I have heard from many of you, and our team members, over the past week regarding Target's contribution to MN Forward," Steinhafel wrote. "The intent of our political contribution to MN Forward was to support economic growth and job creation."
MN Forward – which says it's focused on job creation – has spent $200,000 on ads supporting Emmer, a candidate who is staunchly against same-sex marriage.
That has caused loud criticism of Target's contribution to MN Forward. Pro-gay rights advocates angrily claim that a company that prides itself on welcoming all people should not contribute to a group that endorses an anti same-sex marriage candidate.
Many gays and lesbians online have urged a boycott of Target. In his letter, the Target chief said that the decision to contribute to MN Forward "affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry."
The Target chief added: "We remain fully committed to fostering an environment that supports and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals."
Emmer's campaign spokesman Brian Walsh told CNN the situation has been blown out of proportion.
"It's been turned into something else and that's unfortunate," Walsh said. "The number one issue facing the state of Minnesota is job creation."
Walsh defended MN Forward, telling CNN that creating jobs is the group's main focus and "that's what Target contributed to."
MN Forward did not respond to CNN calls for comment.
Mark Dayton, the Democrat favored to win his party's primary, is Emmer's potential opponent. Dayton's family built the Dayton's Department Stores into the Target Corporation. However, the candidate has never managed the company and does not currently own any Target stock.
Filed under: 2010 • Minnesota • Same-sex marriage
I don't think the post and the poll are about the political party that the business supports, rather specific causes that may or may not jive with a buyer. It was very disappointing to find out that Target is donating to the campaigns of anti-gay equality candidates. That was for two reasons: That I disagree with those candidates, and that Target is using its might for political purposes.
An example of a social practice that made me stop patronizing a store is H&M cutting up unsold merchandize rather than donating it. They will cut the clothes up before putting them in dumpsters, so that no one can pick them out of the dumpsters.
I try my best to buy fair trade, and to avoid sweatshops. It's difficult given a limited budget and how common a lot of unsavory practices are. So I do, indeed, feel like a hypocrite often 
.
I think the issue is that Target donated money to Tom Emmer-not specifically that it donated to the republican party.
In general, I would say that yes I absolutely avoid stores that I know try to further political agendas I don't agree with. The Target donation doesn't really offend me though. Target is first and foremost a store. I don't expect it to have a serious conscious at the expense of profits. If this candidate was going to help the store and also happens to be anti-gay rights... well it is kind of unfortunate and maybe Target shouldn't have donated but I don't think it is the same thing as being actually anti-gay rights.
But yes... if I know a store owner's beliefs they do come into play. For example, in my hometown there is a little fruit/home baked type store that is family run and uses their sign out front to put up anti-abortion messages all the time (which um... have NOTHING to do with fruit or pie). I would not shop there.
@spinach: is right - I don't care about the political party. It's about the specific causes and issues. I wouldn't boycott a business if their owner voted republican. I don't care about that at all. But when a business supports an organization that I can't get behind, or when they have unsavory or wasteful business practices, then I won't give them my money.
I also didn't know that about H&M, although I just did some reasearch and apparently it was just one store who was doing that, and the corporate office put a stop to it. At least that's what HuffPo said, but I'm not sure how true that is.
They also said that Wal-Mart does the same thing. Another reason for me to never shop there again.
@flamingred: Thanks for the article. Funny that they're "sorry" but there's no mention of them donating an equal amount of money to an organization that supports same-sex marriage. That's really the only way to rectify the situation, I think.
I agree with @CorgiTales. I highly doubt Target chose to donate to this candidate because of his stance on gay rights, in all likelyhood they donated because they thought something else the candidate was promising something that would help their business.
I do get what you're saying though. There's a yoga studio in my town I won't go to because they have a bunch of PETA hand-outs on their desk for people to take.
Oooh, yes, just re-did my reading on H&M. Thanks! Cheap, ill-fitting clothes, here I come!
Interesting question. I'll refrain from commenting about my regular shopping habits and reasons for shopping at particular stores, but I will say that my fiance and I have chosen to be very selective about our wedding vendors based on their views and ours. For example, we will not hire an officiant who is against (or would refuse to perform) a same-sex marriage ceremony. The same goes for photographers we're considering -- they get a bonus point for posting same-sex marriage shots on their blogs. So far it hasn't been too difficult, but it's a thought that stays in the back of our minds.
I don’t generally do research before buying from a store, but I will stop buying/patronizing if I find out that they give substantial sums of money to causes I don’t agree with.
I won’t patronize Curves, Dominos Pizza and Carl’s Jr. (their founders give tons of money to very militant anti-choice groups – money they get from customers - and well, Dominos Pizza is gross lol), WalMart, and now, Target. But I dislike shopping at big-box stores anyhow, so WalMart and Target are easy to avoid.
I try very hard not to buy any product tested on animals, but I’m sure once in a while I buy one. I don't buy any meat that comes fom big slaughterhouses.
Seriously, I just replied and it didn't post... and now I cant get my post.... which was rather long....
In short,
MN Foundation is what Target Donated to. NOT the Cadidate.
MN Foundation has donated to both Dems and Republicans
MN Foundation is about creating jobs, in the area where Target is headquartered. Perhaps this candidate had the best job growth plans.... so MN foundation supported them...
Bottom line, Target gave $150,000 to a pro-JOB GROWTH foundation, not an anti-gay group. They donate over 3 million a week... which is about 3 times more than WalMart. To them, $150k is like handing a $20 to a homeless person to you and me.
Honestly, I think you're blowing this way out of proportion, and I'm not a fan of "tit for tat" the whole "the only way to rectify is to donate equal amounts to pro-gay groups" We'd get no where if this always happened and I can pretty much guarantee, if the situation was reversed, LGBT groups would be PISSED if they donated in turn to a candidate against gay marriage...
$150,000 is so small in the grand scheme of their giving, accept their apology and move on. Look at their stats instead. Target is one of the highest ranking large corps. for "acceptance" and diversity.
I don't think I could ever understand the political/social views of a company well enough to form an opinion about whether or not I should shop there in the first place. I tend to patronize stores more often when there is evidence products have been made in the US or they are creating jobs. Also, more than anything, I feel much more inclined to shop at places where I don't feel constantly cheated out of my money with unfair return policies and inflated pricing. I would pay more to buy something nice at Nordstrom than here at Saks where I have bought clothes that went on sale the next day and they refused to let me return it or refund the difference.
Target did not donate to support a ban on gay marriage. They donated to a group that supported a candidate who is in favor of low taxes and incentives for businesses. They are a business. They are focused on improving the business climate in the state they are in. Should they have perhaps donated to a group that didn't involve itself in social politics? Maybe.
As a Minnesotan, I can attest that they donate to a LARGE number of diverse charities, schools, and organizations in our state and many others. I have many friends who work for Target who can attest that they are supportive of the LGBT community and employees.
Furthermore, currently the leading democratic candidates are in favor of higher taxes on companies, Frm Senator Dayton is proposing to make MN income taxes the highest in the nation as well as raise them for corporations. This would NOT be in Target's interest.
I also refuse to patronize Walmart, for a wide variety of reasons, not having to do with political parties at all. But I am certain that shopping according to one's conscience does indeed have an impact. I do not patronize pet stores that get animals from puppy mills for example. But it is just as important to let these establishments know WHY you do not buy there.
I don't flatly REFUSE to shop anywhere, but I certain do avoid Walmart. I still do spend a lot of money at Target because it is convenient and has products that either I don't know where to find elsewhere, or that I would have to drive to multiple places to get. (I used to be a huge fan or Target, but their return polices, while not negatively impacting me, are pissing me off).
I try to spend money at local businesses, if I can. And I am more likely to frequent businesses that are engaging in the local community and supporting issues I support (if they have a rainbow sticker, sponsor community events, etc). If I know your business has done something knowingly terrible I'll avoid it.
I'd really hope that despite their donation, you'd still choose to shop at Target over Wal-Mart. Target has a long history of corporate responsibility, and they give millions and millions of dollars per year to charities and non-profits that do great work. They pay their workers a livable wage, and they provide them with benefits. Wal-Mart does not do any of these things. They have been cited for encouraging their workers to sign up for food stamps, public health care plans and public housing, because they are too selfish and greedy to pay their employees a livable wage.
I am very liberal, and a huge supporter of equal rights for everyone (including GLBTQ folks) but one, relativly small donation does not offset the major difference in levels of corporate responsibility between Target and Walmart.
Just to add, more than anything, this donation should show how TERRIBLE the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court was! This is the future of our elections people! Corporations getting involved in politics, and throwing down donations to support their agenda.
I avoid Wal-Mart at all costs, but not because of their politics. I shop at stores that I like, whether I agree with their politics or not. There are lots of ways to take a stand, but, for me, shopping isn't one of them.
I agree that the Target thing seems to be getting blown way out of proportion. As they pointed out, they didn't donate to the candidate. They donated to an organization which creates jobs. THAT organization has spent money to advertise for the candidate (based on his position regarding job creation, not his stance on gay marriage). Should Target have maybe done some more research on where MN Foundation spends it's money in order to protect themselves from this kind of negative backlash?.. yes, they probably should have. But it's a VERY small donation compared to Target's annual philanthropic budget, and it wasn't meant to be a stance against gay marriage in any way shape or form.
I don't have the time to research the political views of every corporation I shop.. nor do I have the money to have a huge effect on their profits anyway, so I'm going to shop where it's convenient for me to do so.
I wish I could but there are just too many. I don't like the CEO of American Apparell and Whole Foods. But I still shop at Whole Foods. :(
I think it's inescapable -- corporations are going to promote candidates that want lower corporate taxes. They want to do everything possible to make as much money as possible, at any expense of consumers or social justice.. Pretty much have to live off the grid to not support companies like that.
I do this as often as I can. The big thing for me is to only buy American made though. I completely REFUSE to buy anything that is made in China. Its hard and sometimes it can be pricey but it is worth it to me.
@mncrk09: Number one reason why I do not shop at Wal-Mart. I avoid China-made goods as well. Between the fact the majority of the profits support the country's communist military, human rights violations, the cruel treatment of animals, and the the loss of American manufacturing jobs - I have to do this. I don't tell other people what to do or how to shop but by golly, I just have to shop with my conscience! I also avoid cosmetics and body-care products that test on animals. I do an awful lot of label reading!
I totally do.
Target also allows their pharmacists to dispense plan B based on their values, not the law. In some areas this has meant girls cannot access something the law says they should be able to. I don't think Target should have the right to decide! So I am anti Target. Plus their employees are really rude at the one by me.
I try to shop local as much as possible. I know somethimes that means spending more but it is so much better for the community!
There is a local store here that supports a guy who is always trying to take money out of schools. His bills are the kind that would devistate school systems and bankrupt in the extreme. Ever since I found out that this store supports him I do everyhting I can to convince people not to shop there.
As for buying american, I think it is good but I would rather buy something made in china from a local store than buy something made here from a giant chain, but it is important to me that my money remain in my community.
IMO, Walmart is on an island of it's own when it comes to this topic. That is one hell of a horrible company on a ton of levels.
I just try my hardest to be a very educated and aware consumer. I support smaller, local companies that are supportive of things that are important to me, ie: human rights, environmental awareness, etc. If I find something out about a company that I disagree with I will absolutely discontinue my patronage.
I try, whenever possible, or when I know better. For example, I stopped shopping at Target in 2001, when they stopped making grants to Planned Parenthood due to a boycott by pro-life groups. It was years before I entered the store--but eventually I made a purchase there. Do I go often? No. Generally speaking, I try to avoid the big box stores and support my local small businesses. But I agree, you'd often have to spend more money or go without.
I'm certainly not trying to start anything, but you are aware that WeddingBee itself is own by eHarmony correct? And that eHarmony (a company based in Christian faith according to everything I've read) didn't offer services to same sex couples until they were forced to after losing a lawsuit?
Based upon what you posted - you'd have to stop using this site as well.
@vistagirl: Coming from a family that owns a small business I completely agree that it is important to support your local business. However, I also come from a family where several people have lost their jobs due to outsourcing. I have seen the devistating effects this can have on a person and on entire families. It is SO important to buy American made products because that supports American workers. When those workers have jobs they can shop and support the local economy.
Yes and no. I do believe we "vote with our purchases" and that consumer actions have power, however most corporations (I would agrue), no matter where they fall politically are not socially conscious entities. I think you could find something about every company that rubs you the wrong way! You have to decide however, if it crosses the line and if you really need the items they offer.
However I would say that I'm trying to be concerned more about social justice for the workers and environmental stewardship.
I'm going to try to shop there (Target) less because I'm trying to purchase items that are fair trade/socially just, more environmentally conscious, and made-in-usa (or best yet, locally).
you would pretty much have to live like a mountain hermit or live on a deserted island to avoid making purchases from retailers who support something you do not. I get what you are trying to do, but it's kind of silly. Like you said, you would never stop researching and would probably run out of places to shop.
Our economic structuring is far too complex these days to determine the origin of every dollar. Yes even the little mom and pop gas station down the road where you buy a coke from could be using that $3 they made off of you to make a purchase at Target, who then makes a donation to organization, who then pays for the campain of some candidate you don't support. . . .it could go on and on. . .
besides like @SanDiegoAli: said, if you are going off the principle of it, then you would have to boycott weddingbee too.
@SanDiegoAli: IMO that is comparing apples to oranges. what is eharmony getting out of me using this site, if I don't pay attention to any ads? If this site discriminated against anyone, and wouldn't let them post, I would not visit it honestly. But that isn't the case, to my knowledge.
I'll be honest—I do not necessarily. If something is current and noteworthy, i.e. BP and the oil spill, that definitely colors my opinion. I've not patronized BP since the spill.
But for things that are a little more under wraps, I can't say I do all the research needed to know what kinds of practices these businesses are engaging in.
@JessB331: Even if you ignore the ads (hard to do IMO - we're brides, we direct one another to the same sites over and over and over; of course those are many of the sites that advertise on here) you still bring traffic TO the site which would in turn boost the overall amount of hits to the site, which encourages wedding based vendors to advertise on here.
@mncrk09: Oh I totally agree and I try to buy american when I can, but often it comes down to budget, so I have to make a choice.
It's absolutely not comparing apples to oranges. They know how many people use the site. That is how the determine what to charge people who want to advertise on the site. Kind of like television.
I think that large corporations should have the right to support politicos, reformations, and movements. Why should someone who worked hard, built his business up, and made an empire not have the right to further what he believes is the right thing? If you own a large business and have lots of money, I don't see the problem with trying to improve the world as you see it. How is that unfair? Don't people do the same thing by donating to charities? It's easier to change the world when you can influence the political/legal processes than just dealing with the symptoms of the problem (by donating to a homeless shelter for instance). I do see that some may use their money/influence for things you don't agree with, but many do. It's a hard line to draw in the sand, and is the reason why all lawmakers are required to attend a week of ethics workshops so they aren't unduly influenced.
As for whether I patronize a shop based on their social/political standing...sometimes. If I find a local mom n pop that I like I will always stop there to buy something and I will recommend them to everyone I know. If I don't like the local mom n pop shop, I'll buy at Walmart. For me it's more about service than political leaning. There is a line though, and if I found out they were using profits for something socially repulsive to me (like killing puppies or something), I would not just boycott, I would spread the word. I think simply boycotting a store is a very passive way to get the point across, an ineffective at best.
I wish I could say I did this more (considered the social view/practices of a company before I purchase something), but I guess it's a work in progress. It's something I'm wanting to do more, especially in regards to social justice stuff (not buying things that are produced by exploiting the poor).
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