TikTok user links Walmart wages to his criticism of capitalism
TikTok user @aarchor, also identified as Archer, is explaining why he says he hates capitalism, using Walmart and its employees as an example of what he believes is wrong with the economic system. The video received nearly 467,000 views and 667 comments.
Archer argues that the Walton family, which owns Walmart, represents the economic disparity he associates with capitalism. He points to Walmart’s scale and the wealth of its owners while arguing that some Walmart employees earn low enough wages to qualify for government food assistance.
@aarchor People need to be paid livable wages ♬ Horror train, horror piano, BGM(1230538) – syummacha
Archer questions Walmart’s relationship with SNAP spending
Archer also claims that a significant share of food-stamp spending takes place at Walmart. He cited reports claiming that roughly one-quarter of food-stamp dollars are spent at the retailer, representing billions of dollars.
He argues that taxpayers ultimately fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP or food stamps. Archer questions why employees of a highly profitable company would need government assistance to afford food, presenting the situation as an example of taxpayers indirectly supporting Walmart and the Walton family.
Viewers debate Walmart, capitalism and politicians
Reactions to the video varied. Some commenters argued that capitalism is a better economic system than communism, while others questioned why people would work at Walmart if its wages were too low to support them.
One commenter wrote, “Communism is buns. Can’t own anything, can’t own a business without everyone having control of it, if you get too successful your wealth is being stripped away.”
Another commenter argued that capitalism itself was not the problem, instead blaming politicians who can be influenced by corporations. They wrote, “As someone living in a capitalist country . . . Capitalism isn’t the problem . . . Corporations that can legally bribe politicians is.”
A separate commenter offered a simplified explanation of Archer’s argument. They wrote, “So Walmart created an infinite money glitch by under paying their staff . . . Which means they get food stamps that are spent in Walmart . . . Which creates a profit . . . That Walmart uses to pay the staff.”
Claims about Walmart employees and SNAP remain unverified
The Daily Dot was unable to independently verify the claims made in the video about Walmart employees, SNAP spending and the relationship between Walmart’s wages and government assistance. The claims are based on @aarchor’s interpretation of Walmart’s business practices and the information presented in his video.
Why This Matters
The discussion reflects a broader argument over whether low wages, corporate business practices, government assistance programs or political influence are responsible for economic hardship. In this case, Archer used Walmart, the Walton family and SNAP participation to frame his criticism of capitalism, while commenters offered competing views about communism, corporate power and political accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did TikTok user @aarchor say about Walmart?
@aarchor argued that Walmart’s size and the wealth of the Walton family contrast with the low wages he says some employees receive. He said some Walmart workers earn little enough to qualify for SNAP benefits.
What claims did Archer make about food stamps at Walmart?
Archer cited reports claiming that roughly one-quarter of food-stamp dollars are spent at Walmart, amounting to billions of dollars. The Daily Dot said it could not independently verify that claim.
How did viewers respond to the video?
Viewers debated whether capitalism, Walmart or politicians were responsible for the situation. Some defended capitalism over communism, while others criticized corporate influence and low wages.