Hands Speak.
Politeness is relative. Being polite is not a universal truth; it changes when you travel around the world. The purpose of this project was to develop a brand and campaign pertaining to the concept, "Be Polite". Each new place you go, new culture you experience, new society you live in will bring new means of social politeness and acceptance. Hands are a form of communication in most cultures, but the gestures signify very different meanings. This campaign emphasizes thinking before you make hand gestures in another country. And even further, thinking before you act in new cultures.
Middle Finger
This gesture is considered rude and shocking in many countries around the world, including the United States. However, in some countries like India, people use this gesture to point.
Okay sign
In the United States and many other countries, this is a symbol that means everything is all good or okay. However, in Greece and Turkey, it suggests to another man that he is feminine. In France, it suggests that someone is nothing or worthless.
Thumbs Up
In many Arabic and Muslim countries, this is basically telling someone to take a visit to the proctologist, or in other words, “up yours.” In Thailand, it is considered a rude, childish gesture. However, in the United States and many other countries, it simply means “good job” or “it’s all good.”
Dulya
This gesture, sometimes called “I got your nose,” is a playful game with children in the United States, but is considered an aggressively rude gesture, equivalent to the middle-finger in Turkey and Russia.
Open Palm
In the United States, this gesture could be a sign to give a high-five or signify “stop.” However, in Greece, it is an extremely rude gesture that signifies someone wanting to rub excrement on the person’s face.
Fingers Crossed
This gesture is considered rude in Vietnam because it is said this gesture looks like lady parts and is equivalent to calling someone a cunt. However, in many countries, including the United States, it is a gesture for good luck and hoping everything turns out alright.
Bull Horns
This gesture means “Rock on” in the United States and England, but is considered rude in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Colombia. It implies that a man is dense and does not realize his wife is cheating on him and is a popular insult at soccer games.
Beckoning
In Singapore, this gesture means that death is coming. In the Philippines and Brazil, it is considered only fit for dogs and animals and can land you in jail if you gesture at a person. In the United States, is simply means “come here.”
V Sign
This gesture is often polite and peaceful, literally meaning “peace.” However in Great Britain and Australia, it is the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger. George Bush Senior mistakenly made this gesture when visiting Australia in attempts to be polite and offended many people.
So, gesture carefully when you travel.
© Esta Pratt-Kielley 2015