Walmart Stops Selling ‘All Lives Matter’ Merchandise
After enduring both internal and external pressure to oust all ‘All Lives Matter’ merchandise, Walmart has finally taken action to remove these controversial products.
Walmart announced that it will be indefinitely suspending the sale of third party “All Lives Matter,” “Blue Lives Matter,” “Irish Lives Matter” and “Homeless Lives Matter” merchandise. Employees and customers alike have expressed concern regarding the meaning of these ‘All Lives Matter’ shirts and argue that they belittle the Black Lives Matter movement.
Hey Ken, Of course all lives matter but it is Black and Indigenous lives that are being harmed at alarming rates by police brutality and systemic racism. “All lives matter” distracts from the crucial movement to make BIPOC lives equally valued. That is white supremacy at work. pic.twitter.com/TvFyYDnON6
— Mikaela Davies (@MikaelaLily) June 27, 2020
Walmart claims to be dedicated to empowering Black people, the long-established victims of police brutality, and hopes to prove to outspoken critics and skeptical customers that it does in fact champion Black lives.
Walmart Canada removes All Lives Matter shirt after uproar https://t.co/atWhpAbYO2 #Canada #WalmartCanada #Walmart #BLMCanada #RacisminCanada
— Freshdaily (@freshdaily) June 26, 2020
In response to widespread criticism regarding the ‘All Lives Matter’ merchandise, Walmart issued the following statement:
“We fundamentally believe all lives do matter and every individual deserves respect,” Walmart said in a statement. “However, as we listened, we came to understand that the way some, but not all, people are using the phrase ‘All Lives Matter’ in the current environment intentionally minimized the focus on the painful reality of racial inequity.”
We know it takes more than talk. It takes action. We are taking steps to address racism head-on and accelerate change, including Walmart and the Walmart Foundation committing $100 million over five years so we can move forward, together. pic.twitter.com/PKrPvkwnWP
— Walmart (@Walmart) June 5, 2020
Amid anti-racism protests, monolithic companies worldwide have been facing public backlash for their inadequate role in the Black Lives Matter movement. Many companies are quick to release statements championing the movement, yet their actions are inconsistent with their bold words. The public has been quick to highlight the hypocrisy of companies that claim to “stand in solidarity,” yet continue to sell products that undermine the movement.
Yeah, that shirt appears to be a third party retailer. Walmart permits them to sell on their website (sort of like Amazon) but should still have rules for what is permitted to be sold and immediately remove anything that slips through (like this shirt) that should never be sold.
— Ryan DeLuca (@RyanDeLuca) June 23, 2020
At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words, and companies that make flowery, empty statements are really just virtue signaling instead of propelling this racial justice campaign. We look forward to seeing more companies step up and do more to support the movement. Companies should not have to be called to action.
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