What for us will replace the "thumbs up" sign?

[Gold Metal Flake]

Face it, the Thumbs up sign has some sort of meaning, and that meaning is not good. Certainly, it could not hurt if ominous association is given to it, and the connection reinforced by repetition. Perhaps a "thumbs up" photo collage of "Chimp and the Rayp-ettes" would be helpful. Chances are that conservative pols will nuse the thumbs up gesture at appearances and photos, so I think we should get ahead on this one and force it into the lexicon.

By the same token, we must write our reps and candidates and press forth the new negative connection of "thumbs up" here and abroad, and urge them to purge the gesture from their minds so as not to be photographed using it.

But, what sort of gesture could replace the "thumbs up" that will offer the same domestic inference? I am not sure that the peace sign (or victory sign) makes the same general "everything is OK" statement that the "thumbs up" sign used to make before it was co-opted by the torturers and the NeoCons as a vicious gesture of dominance and terror.

What's the new positive gesture? Besides voting Dem, that is! ;-)

[Wright Patman]

1. Quote from Ron Reagan the son

in Simi Valley yesterday.

"At a certain point in his presidency, dad decided he was going to revive the thumbs up gesture. So he went all over the country, of course, giving everybody the thumbs up."

So now we know all those reservists were just Reaganites.

[Maddy McCall]

8. Ha! Reagan couldn't revive a gesture that the Fonz had been doing...

for a decade. Get real, Ron. ;-)

[kentuck]

2. And as we speak, they are training Dubya to start using the thumbs up...

just as a subtle reminder of Reagan without going too far...:)

[ClassWarrior]

3. I refuse to let the forces of evil ruin the "thumbs up" for me...

To me, it will always be the gesture of Special Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks...

[LittleApple81]

4. If I am not mistaken, the thumbs up is AN INSULT for other cultures.

The thumbs up sign, a favorite gesture in the U.S. is an obscene gesture in Iran and Spain.
http://cfc.ky.gov/cfconline/2002June-July/Cultural%20Body%20Language.htm

I did not look any farther, but I remember this was brought up when little Iraqi kids gave the thumbs up to American soldiers.

But these stupid torturers insulted the Iraqis, which is what I think they wanted, and screwed up an American method of communication.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

5. i am a 'thumbs up' kind of guy, and i will continue to use it. nt.

[Armstead]

6. By coincidence I just posted this.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1778115

[ThoughtCriminal]

7. In the Middle East

"Thumbs up" apparently means "Up Yours"

http://www.newyorkish.com/newyorkish/2004/05/the_hand_gestur.html


Alternatives:

Republicans -
Should continue to either use thumbs up or the rubbing of thumb and index finger (money money money!). Crossing fingers behind back is another gesture - but really not necessary if their lips are moving.

The Rest of us-
Ok sign
Peace sign
Hang Loose

On edit-
Vulcan "V"

[ClassWarrior]

9. I did not know that.

Well, then it was particularly insidious for those freaks at Abu Ghraib (sp?) to use it. It sent a signal to the Arab world that was disguised to us back home. Guess they didn't bargain on how ghoulish it would look to us anyway...

[thebigidea]

10. doing my part to demonize thumbs, Dubyas, and torturers...

http://www.terminalproduct.com/steadytorture.rm

[Gold Metal Flake]

14. Great stuff! Now, I don't wanna demonize the opposable digit.

The thumb is a mighty fine thing. It has so many uses. Keeps yer beer close, keeps yer sandwich from falling apart, makes a mighty fine replacement for a severed big toe and, if properly applied, is a nifty luv aid. Love the thumb, hate the message.

[NYCGirl]

11. I think the Peace Sign should make a comeback!

[ClassWarrior]

12. Amen.

Peace, Sista...

[proud patriot]

13. I second that

Of course I've always used the peace sign even at
Metallica and other metal concerts :evilgrin:

[Gold Metal Flake]

15. Maybe you are right.

Maybe I have the problem with the peace sign, and I should just get over it. Peace sign! Take it back! Throw it at 'em!

[ThoughtCriminal]

16. The V-sign

Has to used properly and in context.

Backwards, it is a rude gesture. Bush Sr. intended to make the peace sign at protesters in Australia, but did it the "wrong way" causing great furor in the Australian tabloids.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesture#Peace_.2F_.22V.22_for_Victory

I'm also reminded of Nixon's ironic double handed "V"ictory gesture.