The Wal-Mart Mythos

My Wal-mart face

I’ve begun to realize that people outside of the south and central parts of the U.S don’t understand many things about us. One of those things is our relationship with the Wal-Mart.

I spent the first nine years of my life in Louisiana. When you needed groceries you went to Piggly-Wiggly, Alberston’s, or Winn-Dixie, but for everything else, you went to the Wal-Mart. Everybody went to Wal-Mart. It was a part of life like school. I guess it was my childhood death and taxes.

When we moved to Oklahoma, it was the same way. Everyone goes to the Wal-Mart. I live in this strange town with marked social and economic statuses. In Chickasha, Oklahoma what side of town you live on matters. (Well, for most people it does.) Grown ass adults group off into cliques, and everyone looks down at everyone else. The meth heads look down on the soccer moms just as much as the soccer moms look down on me for not wearing make up to the flipping store. (I have a bra on, what the hell else do you want from me?) But, one way everyone is equal is that we all end up at the Wal-Mart.

I was fifteen before I truly understood there were places in our fine country that did not have Wal-Marts, and it blew my mind. I could not comprehend the concept of functioning without one. I am only still able to barely grasp the concept. Where do these people shop? But, but, but, it’s Wal-Mart, you have to go.

I know some people think Wal-Mart is evil, and I’m not saying they are wrong. I am pretty neutral on the ‘giant soul sucking corporation’ thing. I just know, most places around here, you have Wal-Mart or you have nothing.

This is why I write about the Wal-Mart so much. Just so you know.