|
 I
was invited to a luncheon on Sunday that sat me with a group of
people I had never met. Included in the table decorations were a
couple of rubber ducks. I picked one up to examine it and the couple
across the table grabbed the other one. They were quickly charmed by
it and exclaimed they were going to take it for their Jeep. I was
instantly hooked. “Why do Jeeps have ducks on their dashboard?” was
my sudden question. My bribe was the duck in my hand could be theirs
if they’d explain this phenomenon to me. I had wondered about this
for years. Following is a mixture of their explanation, my research
on the internet, and combination thereof. It is my story and I’m
sticking to it.
“Jeep Ducking” or “Duck Duck Jeep” began in Ontario, Canada during
the initial months of COVID 19. The gal that is credited with
originating the trend is Allison Parliament. MS Parliament is a Jeep
enthusiast herself. She unfortunately experienced an unpleasant
interaction with an unknown man who bullied her in a parking lot. It
left her shaken. The onset of COVID and the isolation that resulted,
plus the aggression of the stranger at the rest area upset her
dreadfully. She wondered what kind of world we were living in and
what could she do about it?
Here is part of her story according to “The Detroit News”: “She
decided to spread a little happiness with a random act of kindness.
She bought a little yellow rubber duck, wrote “Nice Jeep” on it and
placed it on a Jeep similar to hers.
“The owner was this burly, scary-looking, 6-foot-5 guy asking, “What
are you doing?”. Parliament said to the “News”. “But he was smiling.
He thought it was great. He said it was the best thing to come up
with, and the world needs more of this.”
This tiny, and innocent act of placing a toy duck on Jeeps took off
like wildfire. (If you know anything about Jeep enthusiasts, you
know they’re a tight—knit community.) Pictures and stories of
ducking began to spread on social media. Parliament then went on to
begin “DuckDuckJeep”, an online community for people to share their
stories of ducking; according to their official website, Jeeps have
been ducked throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as in China,
Australia, India, and dozens of other countries.
The official ducking Jeep Facebook page was established in July of
2020 and currently has over 79,000 members. Parliament stated in the
first rule on that page that it was created to spread kindness, so
please be kind.” End of quote.
Here are the rules for Jeep Ducking. Acquire a rubber duck…any
rubber duck…...find a Jeep (preferably a Wrangler but any Jeep will
do)…..gently place the duck in a visible location like the
windshield wiper, side mirror, etc. Make sure it does not obstruct
the driver’s view….optionally leave a note such as “You’ve been
ducked! Or #DuckDuckJeep! Or just a word of encouragement……and
finally Pay it Forward….recipients often join in by leaving ducks on
other Jeeps, fostering the growth of this spirited tradition.
[to top of second column] |
“There really are not any strict rules about how to duck someone’s
Jeep, but the idea is to keep the act within polite and noninvasive
gestures.” Parliament said. “You don’t really need a reason for Jeep
ducking other than to connect, bring a smile to someone’s face, and
have fun.” Parliament wrote. “Rather than focus on hate and stupid,
we want to focus on kindness.”
Unfortunately, Parliament has passed away. I’m not sure the reason.
Some apps say from COVID 19, others say natural causes. Whatever the
reason, she certainly left the world a better place by spreading
goodwill and joy worldwide. Thank you Allison Parliament, and all of
you out there that keep on ducking and spreading happiness.
Other car enthusiasts do not want to be left out of the fun. Melissa
Shields Patterson, describes herself as a “born and bred Ford girl,
but I’ve had a ton of Jeeps in my life.” Not wanting to step on any
toes Melissa messaged Allison prior to her death and told her that
she wanted Broncos to join the fun. Allison gave her a thumbs up and
the Buck Buck Bronco was founded in May of 2021. Now Ford Bronco
afficionados are horsing around putting rubber horses on their
dashboards or on other Bronco owners’ vehicles. There is one sure
thing in this world; and that’s proud proprietors of any automobile
love somebody admiring their ride. Making you smile at their
sidekick mascot will only make them happier.
In 2023, the Detroit Free Press reported on the Moo Moo Subaru
movement by New Hampshire resident Staci Huckins. In conversation
with her friend about Jeep ducking; she decided to add little cows
to the Subaru crowd. Over 100,000 people have joined this group. Any
cow will do…. the popular highland cow is a favorite… or my beloved
Holstein…or better yet mix up your herd with an assortment of cows.
I would be remiss in not adding in my first love of cars…. Chevy.
There is Chevy sharking where Chevrolet fans leave small toy sharks
as their contribution to this fad. Sharell Lest, a Camaro fan, was
inspired by the Jeep ducking tradition. After scuba diving, she
recommended using sharks as mascots because of Camaro’s sleek design
resembling a shark. Chevy sharking is now a social media trend.
Put one of these mascots on the door handle or windshield of the
proper brand of car. Give a smile and a thumbs up when you see one
of these talismans. Be silly. Be nice. You are now in the know. I’m
sure I’ve missed some products, but you get the idea. Help keep
these fun traditions going and be part of the kindness and happiness
of passing on this small way of delighting those around you.
L. Maxine McQueen may be contacted at
maxmac.1@juno.com
 |
