Brickbats For Sacred Cows (Press, 16 October 1976)

In "The Passionless People: New Zealanders in the 1970s," author Gordon McLauchlan provides a critical examination of New Zealand society, divided into two primary groups. The majority hold a deep-seated belief that New Zealand, or "Godzone," is an exceptional country, favouring a nostalgic vision of its past from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. This group is often sceptical of progressive ideas introduced by those labelled as "trendy lefties," who advocate for change or reform. In contrast, a smaller faction voices concern over this complacency and argues for necessary individual and collective progress to align with contemporary values. McLauchlan, aligned with this minority perspective, challenges the status quo and aims to provoke discomfort regarding the nation’s issues. He suggests that New Zealand is a puritanical, closed society reminiscent of earlier Victorian or Edwardian times. Through his writing, he criticises the authoritarian tendencies he perceives in New Zealand's current political landscape, particularly under Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, whom he describes as an ad-hoc leader lacking idealism. McLauchlan contends that New Zealanders are inherently authoritarian and, more concerningly, "passionless," leading to a lack of direction and engagement in meaningful activities. The book features a collection of chapters with provocative titles, such as "The Smiling Zombie," "The Sterile Society," and "Passionless Pissups," through which McLauchlan scrutinises various societal institutions, including the medical profession. He raises pressing questions about the power dynamics at play within self-regulating bodies in the country. While he presents humour and insight in his critique, he sometimes relies on social science experts to bolster his arguments, which may dilute some of his more instinctive reflections. McLauchlan draws comparisons between New Zealand and other societies, asserting parallels in racism and the manner in which cultural identity is constructed. He believes New Zealanders face an identity crisis, attempting to reassure themselves through certain myths. His analysis also touches on the realm of sexuality, suggesting the prevalence of unrealistic sexual fantasies among New Zealand men, which explains their consumption of certain media. While the book comes with some criticisms regarding minor inaccuracies and broad generalisations, it resonates with authenticity and offers a thought-provoking exploration of New Zealand’s societal landscape in the 1970s. The work encourages readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about their own culture and identity. McLauchlan's perspective echoes the sentiments of Oliver Wendell Holmes, highlighting the importance of engaging passionately with the issues of one’s time. The overall tone combines humour with an urgent call for self-reflection and societal change.

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