McCULLOUGH: TARGET the Grinch II - An Insider's perspective.

WMCA - New York ^ | 11.21.2004

[KMC1]

TARGET THE GRINCH - AN INSIDERS PERSPECTIVE: I've recieved literally hundreds of letters - in fact in total it may now be approaching one thousand. Many of them - better than 98% have been outraged at Target's actions and supportive of the effort to call them to some sensible thinking - and let the Salvation Army BACK in front of their stores.

I recieved this letter Saturday evening. It is valuable because of some of the insight it offers as the person writing it claims to be a current Target employee...

Mr. McCullough:

I read your column about the banishment of Salvation Army bellringers from Target Corp. stores this Christmas season with special interest.

You see, I work for Target.

So, having the benefit of being on "the inside", I feel particularly qualified to comment upon the Corporation's decision...and the motivation behind it. Target prides itself on being a "good corporate citizen" in the communities where it does business.

This is emphasized in their corporate PR publications and to all new employees during orientation. Specific instructions are given to all new recruits regarding how to be sensitive to  customers ("Guests" in Target Corporation speak) with special needs due to a variety of physical handicaps.

Further, a substantial portion of the new employee orientation (and Handbook) is devoted to celebrating "diversity" among team-members and in explaining, in detail, what is considered intolerant behavior.

Not unlike other companies, Target actively solicits charitable contributions to the United Way from employees via payroll deductions.In short, I have found Target to be very committed to the "Political Correctness" mentality.

And it is very telling, at least to me, that the Corporation has taken this decision regarding the Salvation Army. Quite simply, I believe that the SA was deemed to be a "faith-based" organization, and therefore not suitable for Target Corporation's secularistic political agenda. I haven't looked into it, but I'll bet they hold the Boy Scouts at arm's-length too.

I am reminded of a recent column which told of how the Royal Bank of Canada had issued a corporate directive strongly urging employees to prominently display "gay-friendly" paraphernalia at the workplace...as a "show of solidarity" and respect toward gay employees and customers.

I believe in "live and let live", but find this sort of propoganda offensive. I should add that I am neither an Evangelical nor am I particularly socially conservative. I simply am a liberty-loving American who resents being force-fed this Political Correctness in so many aspects of life today.

I fear that the brain-washing has been effective, particularly among the under-30 population (who comprise the lion's share of Target employees). On the other hand, I am encouraged by the results of our recent election. It would appear that a majority of the citizenry are as fed-up with all the crapola as I am.

Sincerely,
~Kevin Fahey, Kenosha, WI

To send an e-mail to Target stores expressing your thoughts on their decision to ban the Salvation Army from ringing bells in front of their stores this holiday season write to guest.relations@target.com.

For more on the Target vs. The Salvation Army story click here: http://kmclive.com.

[John Thornton]

Does Wal-Mart have a similar policy? If not, we should tell Target we will be happy to take our business to Wal-Mart.

[grellis]

As a former Target employee (1993-1995, 1998-2003) I can tell you this, just from personal experience...if most folks knew how Target stores are actually run, they would never quit barfing.

Unless, of course, you happen to be gay.