What's Happening?
A New Yorker has gained popularity on TikTok by interviewing doormen, capturing their unique perspectives and roles in the city's social fabric. With over 5.8 million likes and 200,000 followers, the TikTok account features fast-paced interviews with doormen, who are seen as gatekeepers and confidants in the buildings they serve. The interviews explore the challenges doormen face, such as the physical demands of handling deliveries from services like Amazon Prime. The creator of the account has conducted over 100 interviews, including with female doormen, highlighting the diversity within the profession. The doormen's union, Local 32BJ SEIU, represents 27,000 doorpeople working in over 3,500 buildings, earning around $28 an hour.
Why It's Important?
The TikTok account sheds light on the often-overlooked role of doormen in New York City, emphasizing their importance in the daily lives of residents and the functioning of residential buildings. By bringing attention to their experiences and challenges, the account contributes to a broader understanding of urban life and the essential services provided by doormen. The popularity of the account also reflects the growing influence of social media platforms like TikTok in shaping public perceptions and narratives about everyday professions. It highlights the potential for social media to serve as a platform for storytelling and advocacy, giving voice to individuals who might otherwise remain unseen.
