LAT: Wal-Mart joins National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

[DeepModem Mom]

Wal-Mart Reaches Out, Gets Slapped
The discount giant takes criticism from all sides as it tries to appeal to a more diverse clientele.
By Abigail Goldman, Times Staff Writer
August 25, 2006

For Wal-Mart Stores Inc., even trying to make new friends is controversial.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based company is joining the corporate advisory council of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. But not all of its usual supporters — nor some gay activists — welcomed the announcement.

As the world's largest retailer tries to reach out to more diverse shoppers in its bid to keep expanding beyond its rural and Southern roots, it risks alienating loyal and long-standing patrons. It's a predicament common to any business that tries to grow or change with the times.

"Wal-Mart is figuring out how to make itself welcome and amenable in every corner of America's pluralistic society," said Nelson Lichtenstein, a professor of history at UC Santa Barbara and editor of the book "Wal-Mart: The Face of 21st Century Capitalism." "Lots of companies once thought of as conservative culturally have made their peace with gay and lesbian rights. It's become a standard corporate thing."

But Randy Sharp of the Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Assn. said he and others had stopped shopping at Wal-Mart because of its shift from a "pro-family" stance....

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-walmart25aug25,0,1146352.story?coll=la-home-headlines

[BOSSHOG]

1. Randy (not so) sharp of tupelo mississippi has no concept

of what pro-family is about. He's a religious zealot who spends his days hating others; great family man randy. I'm no fan of Wal-Mart but they obviously want gays to become members of their shopping family (especially their money.) Although there is that domestic partnership thing!

"Making Peace with Gays and Lesbians." What a totally fucking horrific thing to do. No doubt randy and his fellow inbreds would agree.

[xchrom]

2. try offering domestic partner benefits.