The Brief: USPS fancams and TikTok videos are trending on social media as the government institution faces funding issues.

Bluesquiggle
DEEP DIVE

USPS fancams and TikTok videos are widespread on social media as the government institution suffers through the global pandemic and faces funding issues.

In May 2020, president-appointed Postal Service board of governors selected Louis DeJoy to take over USPS operations. According to USA Today, DeJoy has no prior postal work experience, but has made significant investments in companies that directly compete or do business with USPS.

Since May, DeJoy’s laid off thousands of post office employees and mandated that mail is kept until the next day if distribution centers are running behind, in order to cut costs. USPS has been suffering from budget cuts for years, but the new arrangements paired with the pandemic have exacerbated issues, and it is all coming to a head with the approaching November 2020 Presidential election.

In the wake of the global pandemic, physically heading to the polls in November poses a real threat for many Americans. Mail-in voting is the probable solution. Though, President Trump opposes funding USPS to do so, claiming mail-in ballots will lead to widespread voter fraud. Many see these unsubstantiated claims and lack of funding as a means of voter suppression.

In an effort to bring attention to these issues and show appreciation for the United States Postal Service, Gen-Zers and meme accounts are making USPS fancams and TikTok videos.

@willye6

Respect the uniform!! #fyp #foryou #trump #usps #election #blue #usa

♬ My Type – Saweetie