Who are you calling a dog? Chinese delivery firm’s name change has drivers barking mad
Calling a person a dog is the ultimate Chinese insult, and drivers at the former 58 Suyun company, now called Fast Dog, have taken to the streets to complain
A Chinese online delivery and ride-hailing platform has got its drivers barking mad after changing its name to Fast Dog, with many complaining that they now are on the receiving end from customers of the ultimate Chinese insult – calling a person a canine.
The company, previously known as 58 Suyun, has sought to explain last week’s name change, after a video emerged online showing dozens of drivers in the central city of Zhengzhou protesting outside the local branch, carrying banners saying “We want dignity! We are not dogs! ”
In the video, several drivers said the new name has caused many customers to leave abusive remarks when requesting service via the company’s app, such as “Quickly send a dog to pick up my goods!”
“Calling people dogs is insulting. It’s different with other animals.” one driver said. “Why does it have to be a dog? It can be other animals, like a tiger or a wolf. ”
Others said they felt humiliated that they had to introduce themselves as working for Fast Dog.
The company said in a Monday statement that dogs are known for being reliable and trustworthy, and that the name change had caused some misunderstanding among drivers and customers.