Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Let Amazon drivers do their job

This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom. 

SALT LAKE CITY — Look. The first time it was adorable. A Delaware family left candy on their front porch with a note.

Their Amazon driver was so happy, he did a little dance step. That was three years ago. 

And somehow, over the past three years, that one little act of kindness has been twisted into a nightmare. Because somehow videos of Amazon drivers dancing have become a thing on TikTok.

Not because the drivers want to dance. But because their jobs are hanging in the balance.

Here’s a typical case — a woman leaves a note, not on the door but within the delivery instructions on the Amazon app. She captures the dancing driver with her ring camera (without leaving candy!)

Voila. This woman gets lots of followers on Tik Tok.

The drivers dance because if they don’t, well, they’re not following the customer’s instructions. If they get enough complaints, a driver will lose the job.

What? So these customers demanding dance moves or else are just Yosemite Sam shooting at bugs bunny’s feet. Dance ya varmint!

Food for thought. Before you join the trend and demand a dance, consider this. If you were standing on the porch would you ever look the driver in the eye and say “dance for me. Or else.”

Didn’t think so. Let ‘em do their jobs.

Listen to Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News every weekday from 3 to 7 p.m. for more of his “My Minute of News.” And check out the podcast below.

 

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