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People of Walmart Web site brings controversy

Every so often a Web site is so amazing and so viral that whoever stumbles across it cannot help but become totally, utterly engrossed.

Twitter. Facebook. Now, People of Walmart.

The People of Walmart Web site was designed by three college students (AJK, ADK, LDW) who were inspired to create a site with picture of the “Wal-creatures” that come out to Walmarts all over the country.

If you’ve been to Walmart late at night then you know exactly what I’m talking about. You may even have the pleasure of seeing a ridiculous looking person there midday.

Their Web site features pictures of people and their cars. People and cars you might find at your own local Walmart.


The pictures are truly inspirational.

“Let’s face it. We’ve all have seen people who obviously don’t have mirrors and/or family and friends to lock them in a basement, and they all seem to congregate at Walmart. It’s not everywhere that you can shop for milk at 10 a.m. next to a 400-pound mother of six wearing a pink tube top, leopard tights, and hooker heels,” The People of Walmart’s About section reads.

They do have a point, and a valid point at that.

Why hasn’t this been created until now?

In August, the three friends and roommates showcased the site, and people are really reacting to it. As always, and not surprisingly, the reaction isn’t all positive.

On the Web site, there are Hate and Love sections, which show responses that the creators have received. One that I particularly enjoy is from “Alla.” (Remember the god Allah has an “h.” Still, it’s worth noting.)

“What gives you the right to ridicule your fellow man (or woman) for the way they look. I do not see YOUR photo displayed here. Is this the case of ugly mocking the poor to make themselves feel better…You guys are worse that anyone on those pictures, because you are ugly where it counts, on the inside.”

Other negative feedback ranges from “classist bullshit” to “cruel natured.”

To Alla and the other pessimists, I would like for you to take a deep breath and dig down deep inside of you to find a sense of humor. This site is no more classist or cruel than any other comedy show or film that you would watch on a normal basis. So, if you don’t find stand-up or popular comedy films offensive then there’s no reason to find this offensive.

It’s actually all about your perspective. I looked through every one of the pictures on the site, all 38 pages, and I laughed at every single one. I laughed because those people are so ridiculous. How is it acceptable for a man to wear sheer tights while shopping? How is it acceptable for someone to glue plastic dinosaurs to their car?

It’s not acceptable. It’s not acceptable at all. It’s strange and people love strange. I hope this Web site is here to stay. It has great potential. Understandably this will get some negativity. The truth is that humor should be a part of life. Taking life too seriously can really get you down. You know what they say: Laughter is the best medicine.

And… it’s always nice to know that you’re shopping with someone who thought it was a good idea to glue rainbow Trolls to their car.