Nothing says "fight the power" like an Occupy Wall Street poster purchased from Walmart.com.
The grass-roots movement was organized to address economic and social inequality in the United States. It's fair to say that most of the people who participate in the protests aren't big fans of Walmart.
But apparently Walmart is a fan of the movement — or, at the very least, wants to capitalize off it. For those who take their shots of irony straight up with no chaser, Walmart.com is selling a panoramic photo of the lower Manhattan protest.
One of the posters shows the tents that filled the park before it was cleared by police in November 2011. It retails for $42.75. The other is slightly larger and shows a protester holding an American flag inside the park. It is selling for $52.25. They are available only online through Walmart Marketplace via a third-party seller.
While each third-party seller requires Walmart's approval, "it’s unclear whether individual items for sale require approval."
In another irony, Walmart was busted selling counterfeit prints of street artist Banksy three weeks ago.
"Quite possibly the only thing funnier than being able to purchase a Ché Guevara tee shirt at a big box chain store would be the ability to buy a panoramic poster featuring Occupy Wall Street’s encampment in Lower Manhattan from that chain," writes Andrew Kirell at Mediaite.
The Occupy movement has repeatedly called out Walmart for its wages and worker benefits.
Last month, one Walmart location held a food drive for its own employees, leading many to wonder if that was an admission that the company did not pay its employees a living wage.
Yahoo News spoke with Ravi Jariwala, spokesman for Walmart media relations, who said that Walmart provides "a broad assortment of products to serve a diverse customer base."
From the item description:
Occupy Wall Street at Zuccotti Park, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, New York State, USA is a licensed reproduction that was printed on Premium Heavy Stock Paper which captures all of the vivid colors and details of the original. The overall paper size is 27.00 x 9.00 inches and the image size is 27.00 x 9.00 inches. This print is ready for hanging or framing and would make a great addition to your home or office. Brand New and Rolled and ready for display or framing Print Title: Occupy Wall Street at Zuccotti Park, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, New York State, USA Paper Size: 27.00 x 9.00 inches Publisher: Liebermans Artist: Panoramic Images
"5 stars for irony!" an astute commenter wrote.
Sources: Mediaite, Huffington Post, Crooks and Liars
3 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
- Log in to post comments