6/18/2023 0 Comments Thumbsup offensive![]() Check your hands before you wreck your plans, as we always say. When it comes to sharing a cultural hand gesture, it’s important to be mindful about the culture you’re entering. President George Bush senior had a major “oops” moment in 1992 when he gave a “v” sign in Australia from a limousine a huge insult down under. Gesture mistakes can happen to the best of us. And if you try it in China, it represents the number 6. However, if you use this symbol in Russia, it signifies an offer to have a drink. In fact, the American sign language symbol for surfing is the “Shaka,” which is its official name. This chill hand gesture was adopted in the 1960’s by surfers in Hawaii and spread globally. Even scarier, in some Arab countries it is the equivalent of a threat which means “you’ll see!” Let’s all just stick to telling people we are “a-okay,” shall we? And in Turkey, Brazil, Venezuela, and other South American countries, it is hugely offensive and refers either to a person being a “zero” or worse. However, in Japan, it is a sign for money. In Western cultures, this hand gesture simply means that everything is peachy keen. Perhaps stick to learning a bit of Greek next time you visit rather than confusing everyone? In Greece, a downward nod means yes, while an upward nod with a short clicking noise means no. It’s essentially the equivalent of the middle finger, which is why you should keep your thumbs safely tucked away if you aren’t sure about the custom. ![]() But wherever it derives, the positive “thumbs up” in Western cultures is a big no-no in other countries, such as Greece, Italy, and some throughout the Middle East. Other studies suggest they come from WWII pilots signalling each other in the air. The “thumbs up” sign was originally thought to have come from the Roman Coliseum, where the fates of gladiators were decided. Here are a few fun facts that could prevent you from embarrassment during your next global presentation: But hand user beware! These motions often carry cultural significance that can vary from place to place. During a presentation, the way you move your hands can also convey more about the message than you might even realize. ![]() Thumbs up everyone! Trump’s trip was successful and a joy to watch.The thumbs-up, the peace sign, and the wave are common gestures in the US to express positive emotions and share your thoughts. The Middle East is no less civilized and they can stop saying things that make no sense. Whoever says otherwise, tell them to stop saying foolish things. So, for all those who flash the thumbs up sign for victory – keep doing it. I am from the Middle East and I know that the thumbs up gesture is a good way to show how happy and content you are. Whoever wrote that statement online is a complete idiot who has probably never been to the Middle East in his entire life. Traveling around the world has plenty of benefits, starting with seeing new places and experiencing new cultures, food and even meeting new people, so it is good to know that the thumbs up is acceptable here. I do believe there is a lesson learned from this silly incident – not to believe or trust everything you read online because you never know who is the source. I have no idea where this gesture comes from, but it is definitely not rude here. The thumbs up gesture is extremely rude in Iran, roughly equivalent to raising the middle finger in Western countries. In fact, the late Saudi King Abdullah gave a thumbs up at the Elysee Palace in Paris in 2007. According to Wikitravel, the thumbs up gesture is extremely offensive in Iran.However, its generally what you use when indicating you wish to hitch a ride in many other countries. I do not know who can imagine that this gesture is rejected here! The good thing is that an advisor at the Saudi foreign ministry read about the allegations and responded unequivocally, explaining that these claims are nonsense, adding that there are no prohibitions on such gestures. It reflects satisfaction, happiness and victory. But this gesture is not disturbing anyone. Some media sites in America mocked the gesture, ridiculing the US president for allegedly embarrassing the US on his first visit to a foreign country. It was complete stupidity – I don’t know who said or wrote that, but they were wrong. Some American analysts thought this gesture is unacceptable and rejected in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, but after a clarification by Saudi advisors, it became clear that the Americans are worried for no real reason. There has been a big media fuss over US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, because he raised his thumb to express happiness.
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