The narrator reflects on an uncomfortable aspect of male behavior, specifically how men often touch women in a controlling manner. This action can feel as if they view women as objects to be guided, illustrated by the metaphor of a handle on the back. Such gestures highlight a dynamic of power and dominance that is frequently unnoticed.
Additionally, the narrator notes that these touches can be paternal, intensifying the sense of a caretaker or overseer. This observation critiques not only the physical contact but also the underlying expectations and societal norms that dictate these interactions. It's a commentary on the broader implications of male-female dynamics.