Random Reminder (Press, 7 September 1977)
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Summary: Random Reminder (Press, 7 September 1977)
In a satirical commentary published on 7 September 1977, the author discusses the essential motor skills that New Zealand males are expected to master to avoid being perceived as inept or overly effeminate. Among these skills, the ability to competently back a trailer stands out as particularly significant. The text highlights that failing to do so can lead to intense embarrassment and long-lasting emotional distress, often comparing the experience to psychological trauma. The author vividly illustrates the common scenario of taking a trailer full of rubbish to a dump, explaining that this can become a tormenting ordeal for those lacking the necessary skills. He notes that while every New Zealander will eventually find themselves at a dump, for the inadequately trained, the lack of proficiency in backing a trailer transforms a simple task into a nightmarish spectacle. This situation leads to feelings of humiliation as they attempt to navigate the trailer into a restricted space, often attracting judgmental stares from onlookers. The narrative describes the specifics of the struggle, portraying a hapless individual who requires an impractically large area to back his trailer, which contrasts sharply with the limited space usually available at a busy dump. Consequently, the frustrated driver may find himself inadvertently jackknifing his trailer into his vehicle or others nearby, creating a scene of chaos and panic. The author captures the essence of this experience with humour and an air of camaraderie, making light of how every man can relate to the potentially mortifying challenge of backing a trailer. With a touch of poetic imagery, the author invokes Rudyard Kipling, suggesting that failing to master this skill diminishes one’s masculinity. The overall message is that the ability to back a trailer is not just a practical skill, but a vital component of New Zealand male identity, where prowess in such tasks is celebrated, and failure is associated with a loss of male stature.
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