azza1625/createdebate-arguments huggingface dataset:
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

You said it you LOVE going to Walmart. I want to start off by saying I personally do not like going to Walmart but I very much respect entrepreneurship. But for you by going there you are supporting them110% in everything they do. Its like voting for a politician when you vote you should agree with what they do and their practices and what they want to achieve or why vote for them. Its the same thing, you don't support them yet you shop there. Hypocrite. The problem is mom and pop stores aren't able to compete because their costs are so high... Its nice to support them but lets think of you as the business and your buying your product. Why would you ever spend more for the say product? It wouldn't make sense, you want to maximize your profit( the money in your wallet) but at the same time get what you need "to survive". It has nothing to-do with Walmart look throughout History 1800s... Carnegie, Rockefeller...Its business you have to cut cost...Why pay more for a product when you can get it somewhere else for a lesser price?
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

I agree. Why set up multiple Walmarts in one geographic region? If someone wants to shop at your store, they will sacrifice an extra 20 minute drive. Walmart just wants all of its competitors to close their doors.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

Is it not the point to drive out your competition? Walmart recognized a whole in the market. Americans want a one-stop, low priced retailer and that is what Walmart has become.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Even though Walmart may be good in a sense for lower income families it takes away, I believe, the uniqueness of what America stands for: opportunity. America was (I say "was" because it seems it happens rarely now-day) a place where if you had an idea and you could run with it people would take that risk and start their own business or service. Everyone may have a great idea; however, they don't want to take that risk anymore because chances are Walmart will if not ruin it, effect it. I do not feel Walmart should be as big as it is. It blocks people from new ideas out of fear. Of course it is a major employer, but there once was other major employers before Walmart "took over". To use the term loosely they are becoming a legal monopoly.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

Wal-Mart doesn't block new ideas, it simply forces people to think even harder. Let's face it if your idea is to sell something and you don't think you'll succeed because Wal-Mart sells it well then it's probably not a good idea to begin with. Wal-Mart gives people the need to think outside the box and dig deeper. In some cases Wal-Mart gives businesses (who are willing to accept Wal-Marts ideas of extremely low prices) a chance to become successful. Take Sterilite for example, this small company from Massachusetts was made successful by Wal-Mart accepting their product over Rubbermaid's after Rubbermaid refused to drop their prices. So for the once small business of Sterilite, Wal-Mart made them successful.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

Although SOME small businesses are closing, not all of them are closing due to Wal-mart (see website below for studies about the closing of small businesses). There are many factors that go into a business! Starting a business is risky business and always has been-not just since Wal-Mart. The owners need to think about a marketing strategy, come up with a competitive edge, and figure out ways to draw in customers and keep them. For example, there are thousands of clothing stores and so many of them at thriving and not shutting one another out due to personalization in the different brands. If people are afraid to open a business because of Wal-Mart then maybe they don't have a very original business strategy thought up...
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

I'd also like to make another point about those who are being forced out of their small businesses and are only left with the option of Walmart for employment. These people are those who could be college educated, were making a decent living with their business, and now are left with the option of Walmart for employment. So how on earth is the argument that "Walmart creates job" good if really they are forcing people out of work and leaving them with a crappy severely underpaid option of work. They probably were able to afford better benefits unlike the terrible ones Walmart gives out.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

If Walmart moves in town, it looks like its time for these people to use their college education and figure out a way to stay in business. All small businesses do not go out of business when Walmart comes in. Also Walmart will provide more jobs than the small businesses did; lowering unemployment in an area which will create a greater good. If the small businesses are not running smoothly and efficiently and they leave a window of opportunity then its not necessarily going to be Walmart that moves in. Other businesses will move into an area if they see the window. Are they bad too? Everyone in the area receives another option and cheaper prices. Whats bad about that?
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

According to an article from gawker.com Walmart doesn't necessary compare anymore when it comes to prices. Other stores, such as Target, are just as competitive if not better in the items they sell. Here in Erie we have Walmart and Target virtually across the street from each other. If I had to choose the option of one or the other, you'd find me going to Target. Target has a nicer selection and the prices are wonderful. If anything, we need more of a Target invasion rather than a Walmart one.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

So you are angry at Wal-Mart for destroying small businesses and your solution is to shop at Target? Wal-Mart has more appeal than just low prices although that is essentially the key, but how do you think Target is getting their prices to compare to Wal-Marts? By doing the same things Wal-Mart does, by performing many of the same actions you criticize Wal-Mart for doing. Also to suggest we need a Target invasion instead of Wal-Mart really defeats the argument of saving small businesses.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

I agree with this. In this past few months, Target is shown to have beat out Wal-Mart by a $2 difference. This is the first time that Wal-Mart has ever been beaten from lower prices by another store. Not only is Target have a slight edge over Wal-Mart, but you can also afford there cost competitive products that also offer some style to your closet. Due to this upcoming threat from Target, you will now see TV commercials from Wal-Mart saying "Match It", meaning if you find the same product for a cheaper price somewhere else, Wal-Mart will give you the cheaper price. If Wal-Mart wants to get back on the top where they were with their lowest prices, they need to do the work and be sure they have the lowest prices, not the customer.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

I agree with this argument as well. Target and Walmart basically both go head-to-head in order to compete with each other on numerous accounts. Target has found new ways to attract more customers with their "nice ambiance" and "more upscale merchandise" in the store while Walmart has been known to have a chaotic ambiance and not as high-quality of products. Based on a survey, Target beats out Walmart with its cleanliness, ambiance, high-quality of goods, and customer service. Many customers at Walmart even feel frustrated when it comes to the size of the new Walmarts because it seems there are not enough employees around for help when customers are shopping. Personally, when I have shopped at Walmart, I have found little help from staff around the store. All you usually see is the greeter and unfriendly cashiers (who seem to dislike their job). When I am at Target, the sense of a better atmosphere and more staff agrees with me more. Most people think that Walmart is cheaper, but really Target is 1.1% cheaper in various products then Walmart. If the reason why everyone shops at Walmart is for cheaper products, why not go to Target instead and receive cheaper products, better quality of products, better customer service, and a friendlier visit. Therefore, I think there needs to be more Targets than Walmart's in America.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

I agree when you said Walmart doesn't really compare anymore when it comes to prices. The dollar stores are seeing increased sales and are one of Walmart's small competitors. Like you said, Target is another great place to shop with low prices. They have even started to include dollar sections where certain items only cost a dollar.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Have you ever been to Wal-Mart and noticed how miserable the workers are? There's good reason for that. On average, a typical Wal-Mart associate makes a little more than $20,000 a year; that's $2000 below the poverty line. That says something about a corporation with over $15 billion a year in profits. While the company is barely paying their employees to make ends meet, Wal-Mart executives (like CEO, Mike Duke) are making well over seven figures. Aside from wages, Wal-Mart finds other ways of making their company a difficult one to work for. They are so concerned about unions that a large chuck of their management training has to deal with spotting employees who are trying to organize. They spend time learning about "unlawful Wal-Mart language." This includes words like "committee," "group" and "meeting." Managers are also told that fraternizing with employees of a lower rank is not tolerated, this includes breaks and lunches. They fear that friendly relationships will make workers less productive and in turn, would much rather managerial employees instill a sense of fear amongst lower level associates.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

Not one person is forced to work at Walmart, its a choice.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

It may be a choice to work at Walmart, but it may also be because there is no other way for people to support their families. Walmart is constantly causing mom and pop stores to shut down, causing unemployment, and maybe the only other place for them to get a job at is Walmart.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

I agree. If someone has no other choice because their local economy is struggling, they will take a job wherever necessary. That in no way means that they deserve to be treated in such a manner. I can't even imagine working at an establishment where the assistant managers are instructed to instill fear in myself and my co-workers. To me, that's not very American.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

I actually agree with this even though I feel as a whole Walmart is good for America I still feel they can do a better job in treating their employees. Much of the people that I know that do work at Walmart are normally immigrants or those who maybe dropped out of highschool or are just looking for a low skill job. Walmart always seems like a go to for people in these situations but I agree with you that no one should be treated in this manner.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

I understand where you are coming from but from the beginning the MOM & POP stores need to realize that they can never compete with a powerhouse like walmart.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Walmart's low prices and huge profits for shareholders yields enormous social and economic costs which ships jobs overseas. Walmart cuts costs on everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. Yes, this is the goal of most businesses in the market, but when a corporation, such as Walmart, can create profits in the hundreds of billions by outsourcing overseas, this affects our society by lowering our dollar. As they cut costs and create very high turnovers, they create low-wage unions for their workers. This can create a negative affect by creating a poverty driven society. The "Walmartization" of our society has become a huge concern because more and more walmarts are taking over urban and suburban areas. They are able to multiply rapidly because Walmart has taken the middle man out of the equation. By creating their own warehouses and freight systems, this takes not only local business away, but also competes with businesses who are wholesalers. By creating such a vastly impressive database system, they were able to be become so profitable. But what does it really generate? The answer is less cash flow of the total competitive market and to other businesses. This is bad for our national and local economy and in the end, Walmart is bad for America.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

A lot of people only focus on the pros or cons of when a Walmart is established in a certain area, but what about when Walmart leaves a location or leaves a town? Walmart has hundreds of abandoned stores all over the United States. This can create a huge problem for the people of those area. When a Walmart closes down a location they leave behind a huge mess for the community to clean up. Not only are the people of the surrounding area left with a huge building to maintain or to find a different business to take up the space, but now people are without jobs and without a place to shop. What happens when a Walmart moves into an area is, a lot of smaller local shops are forced to close down because they can't compete. Their employees then lose their jobs. Now people's shopping choices are more limited so most of the business goes to Walmart. Now, when the Walmart leaves, that many more people lose jobs and there is even fewer options for shopping. Walmart comes and goes from location to location with only one thing in mind, maximizing profits. There is no consideration for the people in the community and how it might affect them, especially when closing a specific location.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Walmart is the largest retail businesses in the world and yet they still pay most of their employees just slightly above minimum wage. I understand that their wages are well around the typical rate for retail employees; however, I strongly feel that they are exploiting and taking advantage of their employees. Walmart obviously does not value their employees and as such, there have mean numerous lawsuits filed against them for gender discrimination and violating labor laws. How can Walmart be good for Americaa when they treat their employees so poorly?? Walmart targets consumers who have a low income and the company prides itself on making their prices affordable for lower income families. Their own employees fall into this category. The small amount of money that their employees make is being re-circulated into Walmart, because their own employees can only afford to shop at Walmart. Is the great success of Walmart due to the rising number of consumers in the lower class, or is Walmart fueling the growth of the lower class?
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

Walmart doesn't force anyone to work for them. If they are not a good employer then people can choose not to work for them. Country fair is hiring http://www.country-fair.com/Employment/miniapp2.htm.  Also Walmart treats their managers well so it gives motivation to work harder if you are going to CHOOSE to work for them. http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Wal-Mart-Salaries-E715.htm
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Many people have no choice but to work for Walmart due to the current job climate. Women have consistently been overlooked for job promotions and the disparity in pay between comparably employed women and men has increased every year since 1997. Women continue to remain in hourly positions while management positions are awarded overwhelmingly to men, with the percentages of male domination increasing. Women, who are eventually promoted, also wait longer than men for those promotions.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

America is such a blessing to live in because we are free. The sky is the limit, We choose where we work, what we wear, and what we say. I can't imagine ever living in a country that practices socialism, In those countries very intelligent people with a lot of potential can just be told where they will work and never accomplish what they were capable of. In America however, there are always other options. For example we will pretend someone either didn't get a college degree or any type of education after high school, or maybe they did get a degree and couldn't find a job so they ended up at Walmart; hate it and feel like they are treated unfairly. They can do many things:1. Make the best of the situation until they get a management position or find another job.2. Move back in with their parents (step brothers) or a friend until they find another job.3. Live at the local homeless shelter until they can find another job (or permanently if they can't).4. Start a business.5. Collect unemployment until they find another job.6. Move to a different state or country to find a job.7. Marry someone rich (option I'm leaning towards) The options are endless in America.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

I would have to disagree that Wal-Mart is so terrible to their employees, even though you make valid points. You ask, "How can Walmart be good for America when they treat their employees so poorly??" and that "Walmart obviously does not value their employees ". However, in times of need Wal-Mart has actually stepped in to not only help its employees, but customers as well. Hurricane Katrina damaged 89 facilities in the South and more than 34,000 employees were displaced by storm. They moved quickly to contact employees to make sure they were safe and made sure to give each employee $1000 to help pay for necessities. They gave out nearly $4 million dollars to over 6,000 employees. They also dispatched more than 2,500 trailer-loads of water and emergency supplies. Wal-Mart also donated $17 million in cash to emergency relief efforts to help the local residents. So after reading these facts I came to realize that Wal-Mart is in fact good for America, because in times of need they were there to help.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Walmart has definitely violated labor laws and was brought to question because they failed to pay employees for breaks. It was stated in their contract that they would pay employees for breaks. The total amount for unpaid breaks came to $188 million. If Walmart would take that much money away from their employees it shows they don't really care. Walmart's employees already have a low income as it is and shouldn't have to worry about their employer cheating them out of money.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

This goes along with what my argument has been. Wal-Mart not only fails to pay their employees when they need to they cheat them out of it as well. One of the articles I found stated how Wal-Mart would drastically cut hours for employees forcing them to quit and or find other work so that they would not have to pay them the required substitute checks if they had to put them on lay-off come January of every year. It's sad they way these people are being treated by Wal-Mart. They are working in many cases long hours doing repetitive work that no one wants to do, the least the company could do is recognize this and be considerate of it.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Walmart was being unethical and was convicted of “breach of contract, unjust enrichment and state labor law violations”. They refused to pay their employees on breaks when they were contracted to do so. Walmart owed a total of $188 million to employees for off the clock work. Although this particular case may be appealed it makes me skeptical of Walmart’s ethical practices and if we can really trust them. As one of the most powerful businesses, Walmart should have high ethical standards and give their employees what they say they will. Instead they are taking time and money away from their employees.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Walmart cannibalizes competing retail businesses. Whenever a new Wal-Mart opens it's doors, that is followed by many music, grocery, home/lawn/auto care, hardware, and electronic stores to close there doors. What happens when companies go out of business? PEOPLE LOSE JOBS! Not just cashier jobs like many that work for Wal-mart, but GOOD paying jobs.Business reporter for Fast Company magazine Charles Fishman wrote, "To survive in the face of its pricing demands, makers of everything from bras to bicycles to blue jeans have had to lay off employees and close U.S. plants in favor of outsourcing products from overseas.” In 2004 Wal-mart had purchased nearly 10% of all Chinese goods sold to the USA. That number has increased tremendously to the present time. They purchased $18 BILLION in Merchandise adding to our hundreds of billions of dollars in trade deficit with our fast east competitors. Wal-mart closes down businesses like small local family to major companies because the strangle hold they have on competing retailers. THIS IS BAD FOR AMERICA. I'm actually disgusted by the amount of people who believe it is good for our country. Just put yourself in the shoes of a business owner. Would you want a big box retailer to come to your town and all your business? Absolutely not.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

If I were running a small business I would understand that Wal-Mart is going to be tough competition for me. I would not be able to compete on the levels of price or convenience but there are other factors that I could be better at, such as quality of goods or customer service. As long as a small business is better than Wal-Mart in one aspect of the business then they will be able to survive.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: No

Nothing that contributes to corporatism is good for this country. Just because it's there providing for us doesn't mean we wouldn't be better with something else being our provider.
Debate: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
Side: yes

I am just curious, but what exactly do you mean by "something else being our provider"?