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Abstract Since Sam Walton’s discount retailer first opened its doors in 1962, Wal-Mart has grown to be the largest corporation in the world. Wal-Mart is revolutionizing the way the retail items are passed from producer to end-user by drastically cutting costs at every opportunity and demanding the same of their suppliers. These savings passed onto the consumers has not come without a price! Where some see a discount or a job opportunity, others see an empire that pulls the rug out of existing businesses. For years, Wal-Mart has been accused of a number of criminal actions and questionable ethical practices. Many people, from all walks of life, find themselves discussing (and some even arguing) the topic: “Is Wal-Mart good for America?” Many blame this modern trend of globalism, the outsourcing of manufacturing, the closing of mom & pop stores and independent grocers on Wal-Mart. But the question that must be asked is as follows: Is Wal-Mart really to blame for all the things that they are being accused of? After all, aren’t the consumers fueling Wal-Mart’s position as the number one retailer in the world by their constant search for the lowest possible price? And don’t we have a choice as to where we should shop and isn’t it our responsibility to avoid businesses that we deem are unethical? Is Wal-Mart unethical or are they just misunderstood?

Background Wal-Mart has been forced to defend itself against several lawsuits that were filed against them. In the case; Cynthia Haddad vs. Wal-Mart stores, Inc. Wal-Mart was found liable for unequal compensation and wrongful termination of employment based on gender. (This was just one of several lawsuits filed against Wal-Mart for discrimination). On December 23, 2008, Wal-Mart settled 63 wage and hour action lawsuits that Wal-Mart has been defending against for several years. Wal-Mart has

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