Amazon.com is the information economy\u2019s superstore. One can buy just about anything one desires from Bezos and company. If you\u2019d like, Amazon’s Prime will even rush it to your doorstep. Such is the state of retail today. The mass appeal of fast-moving goods (that are just a click and a local warehouse away) is a winner for the consumer goods-based economy, and for Amazon and its investors. Sadly, the obliteration of \u2018Main Street\u2019 by a single digital titan is a big loser for the environment and for many of the company\u2019s front-line workers, as well.<\/p>\n
To meet the crush of demand during the holidays, Amazon.com hires thousands of \u201cseasonal workers\u201d each year. These short-term contact workers mirror the work done by agricultural migrants, and like agricultural migrants, the American economy would grind to a halt without them. In other words, Santa would not deliver.<\/p>\n
The story of these overlooked and under-appreciated workers were depicted by Hollywood last year. Frances McDormand showed up for work at the warehouse in director Chlo\u00e9 Zhao\u2019s film, NOMADLAND<\/em><\/a>. But did ‘the warehouse’ show up for her?<\/p>\n There is one gift<\/em> that Amazon.com can not provide\u2014the gift of human kindness. Interestingly, this one thing that money can’t buy is the centerpiece of the brand’s holiday ad from Lucky Generals<\/a> in London.<\/p>\nCut to the Heartfelt Christmas Story<\/h2>\n