"The Wal-Mart You Don't Know"
I'm sure that everyone has shopped at a Wal-Mart before, or maybe at least entered one. Instantly you find out what it is all about, low prices. In Charles Fishman's article, "The Wal-Mart You Don't Know," Fishman discusses quite literally the side of Wal-Mart that most do not know about. I found Fishman's article to be very informative and enlightening. Most do not know the business aspect behind any large corporate company, and Fishman does a good job making his subject and argument very relate able.
One way that Fishman makes his article relate able is the use of his examples. He uses Vlasic pickles, Dial soap, Huffy bicycles, and Levi Strauss jeans. He uses these as examples because they are brands that people have heard of even if they do not shop at Wal-Mart. In his examples Fishman explains why Wal-Mart has been detrimental to these companies profits or explains the company's relationship with Wal-Mart. Fishman also uses analogies to make his subject relate able to his audience. He states, "One way to think of Wal-Mart is as a vast pipeline that gives non-U.S. companies direct access to the American market" (533). Fishman's use of an analogy helps the reader better understand what he means. Although he has many strengths in his article, Fishman also has some weaknesses. One is his awkward syntax. He states, "Here, for example, is an executive at Dial..." (536). This makes it sound as if he is speaking and makes his argument less formal. Another weakness Fishman has is his conclusion. He uses a quote to end his paper, which does not allow for a true clincher to his strong paper. He also used an example of Levi Strauss in his concluding paragraph, which I think should have been left out or placed earlier in the paper.
Overall, I feel that Fishman has a very strong argument and paper. He has strong support from outside sources involved with Wal-Mart that make his argument more credible. I feel that he has very strong organization throughout and has relevant examples as well. His use of support from outside sources and real examples from companies involved with Wal-Mart make his argument credible and relate able.
