The "ducking" phenomenon among Jeep owners, which involves leaving small rubber ducks on other Jeeps, started as a fun and positive way to promote kindness and camaraderie within the Jeep community. After attempting to figure it out on my own, by asking other jeep owners, I decided to delve into this new phenomenon by taking a deeper dive into the duck pond. Here's what I discovered ...
Origin
The practice of placing rubber ducks on Jeeps, often referred to as "Jeep Ducking," originated in 2020. That's right friends, this cute new trend, is a product that comes to us from the Covid-19 pandemic. Who knew?
According to the Taunton Daily Gazette, this whole thing started in Ontario, Canada.
Now, when I visit Ontario, I expect politeness, maple syrup, and a few hockey metaphors, but no, no, that is not what happened when Allison Parliament visited.
Allison was the one who set off the "ducking" trend and here's how the story goes ...
After working long hours in Alabama, Allison was fresh off a two-week quarantine and decided to visit Ontario, Canada on vacation.
Upon arrival and ready to immerse herself in the Canadian experience, she pulls into a gas station where some guy — a stranger, no less — rushes over, grabs her by the shoulders, and forcefully shoves her back into her vehicle unleashing a barrage of choice words at her, saying that she was not welcome in Canada.
I mean, this wasn’t the kind of shove that says, “Welcome back to Canada, here’s a Timbit.” No, this was more like, “You, madam, are not welcome in this frigid land of politeness!”
So, apparently, the whole attack was over a license plate? A license plate!
I mean c'mon, eh?
So, Bring in the Duck
Utterly stunned by her "warm" welcome and in a moment of pay-it-forward whimsy, Allison decides to step into the gas station store where she purchases a small rubber ducky. She then leaves this little ducky along with a sweet, kind-hearted message on a random stranger’s Jeep parked nearby.
It was simply something she thought to do to cheer herself up and lighten the mood after what just happened to her.
Ducking Viral
Anyway, Allison posts this little duck saga on Facebook because, naturally, nothing is real until it's shared with 2000 of your closest acquaintances ... and wouldn’t you know it, this simple act of whimsy turns into a full-blown quacking revolution.
So, if one day you’re walking around and find yourself in the middle of a Jeep ducking frenzy, remember — this all started because of one Alabama license plate and a rubber duck.
Jeep Fam
Oh baby, let me tell you, Jeep people are like a family, but with more horsepower! You’ve got this loyal fan base, and it’s not just about the wheels and the open roads, no, no, it’s about solidarity! These Jeep lovers are tight. You got Wranglers, Cherokees — whatever your Jeep flavor, there’s a ride for every enthusiast!
But hold on to your gears, because now we’ve entered the age of Jeep Ducks! Oh yeah, baby! It’s not just a car anymore—it’s a movement! In recent years, these little rubber duckies have taken over social media and the Jeep world like a quacking invasion! You’re out there, cruising, maybe on a grand road trip, maybe just grabbing some milk, and suddenly—bam! You’re in the Jeep duck zone. It’s like a secret handshake, but squishier. Jeep owners see another Jeep, and boom, out comes the duck! It’s like, “I see you, fellow adventurer, here’s a little quacky love!”
But, Why Rubber Ducks?
First and foremost - Allison. She bought it, gifted it and posted it.
But also, rubber ducks are playful and lighthearted. It's no wonder that this little mascot became symbolic of the fun, carefree spirit often associated with Jeep owners and their love for adventure.
Lastly, the ducks are small, inexpensive, and easy to carry, making them the perfect object for this spontaneous, feel-good gesture.
Why Jeep Owners?
The Jeep community is known for its strong sense of identity and camaraderie. Jeep owners often greet each other with a "Jeep wave," acknowledging their shared passion for the rugged, off-road lifestyle.
That said, this rubber duck tradition fit in naturally with this communal vibe, offering a light-hearted way to connect with fellow Jeepers. The idea of "ducking" another Jeep with a rubber duck is a way to share a moment of positivity, friendship and kindness.
The Popularity Continues to Grow
Since 2020, the "ducking" trend has exploded across North America and beyond, largely through social media. Here in Eureka Springs, locals have also jumped on the trend and organized the ever-popular JEEP JAM. Check out the Eureka Springs Jeep Jam site for more information about jeep events featuring ducks of all shapes, sizes, personalities and colors.
Jeep owners who find a duck on their vehicle often share pictures and stories online, which in turn encourages others to participate. Hashtags like #DuckDuckJeep or #JeepDucking have become popular on Instagram and Facebook, further spreading the movement farther and wider.
Today, 2024, the tradition is most popular in the U.S. and Canada, where Jeep culture is particularly strong. However, the practice has also spread to other countries as the Jeep community grows globally. You’ll find it most often at Jeep events, off-road meetups, and in cities where Jeep ownership is common. Here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, it's no surprise that Jeeping is a thing here. With a variety of car shows featured seasonally in our town, it was only a matter of time for this to catch on here, too.
The combination of simplicity, kindness, and a sense of belonging has made Jeep Ducking popular. It’s a small gesture that resonates with the adventurous and communal spirit that Jeep enthusiasts embody. It offers a sense of connection, which became especially important during the socially distant times of the pandemic.
In short, Jeep Ducking started as a simple act of kindness but has grown into a widely loved tradition that adds a touch of fun and positivity to the Jeep ownership experience, reinforcing the strong sense of community among Jeep drivers. Keep jammin' jeepers.❤️
Sadly, Allison Parliament passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2024. Her mother confirmed her death on her Facebook page on June 25th. Parliament's age when she passed was not listed, but a September 13, 2022 story in The Detroit News listed her as 34 years old at the time. RIP Allison. Your legacy of spreading kindness carries on . . .
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