Conglomerate!

             I completely agree with Anna; a majority of Americans have become blind and are slowly, but surely going more into a depression. She talks about Wal-Mart and the employee getting trampled, which I find sickening. Why? People wanted cheaply made stuff from foreign countries. This cheaply made stuff is made by kids in sweatshops getting paid a dollar a day. There’s really no solution to the problem; however, there is raising taxes, eliminating the tax break for the wealthy (being the 1% of the country’s people), or creating jobs. But it would never work, unless people open their eyes.

              I hate Wal-Mart. I never shop there; they are nothing but conglomerates and the county would be better off without it. The reason why is while they are doing well, the “Mom and Pops” store down the street is going out of business. Yeah sure, they can try and get a job at Wal-Mart, but who would want to work for a company that put them out of business in the first place? Someone who needs to put food on the table, that’s who. My sister and brother-in-law own a video game store; they are doing well. However, the games they have are available to buy at Wal-Mart for cheaper. So, they have to compete with that, and it’s not right. Their store, in my opinion, is amazing. Also, their customer service is without a doubt unquestionable; which goes for all privately owned businesses. I suppose that’s why people keep going back. However, I guess having manners and knowledge of their products is not enough, and the cheap, bad-mannered, unknowledgeable giant corporations are better.

Tan's blog

       Amy Tan shouldn't be ashamed of who she is, and where she came from. However, when we're young, sometimes we can't help but feel ashamed of one's family. For example, the first time I felt ashamed of my family was when I was ten years old. My father would bring home bikes from random garage sales for my brother and sisters. The bikes were rundown and rusty, but they would work. My friend at the time always had nice bikes. So, I felt very embarrassed, and would complain to my mom and dad, but they would say "Just be happy you have a bike." Now that I think about it, I wish I didn't complain so much, and showed them that I was grateful for them getting me a bike. It's funny, now I buy rundown bikes and fix them up. I personally understand Amy Tan's purpose. As of now, I feel out of place. This is my first experience going to college. After high school, six years ago, I feel that I'm somewhat a step behind everyone. But hopefuly that will all change later in the year.

C