Question

When replying to this discussion below, you must make a MEANINGFUL comment. Maybe this will help: when you read your peers' post, pretend that you are in a classroom and you just heard him or her speak. Your reply must be meaningful enough that in a face to face class, you would raise your hand, wait to be called upon and comment or ask a follow-up question to their answer.

Language is never constant, it's always changing and so is our non-verbal communication. I do not like using “the bird” to anyone, it still has a very strong meaning to me. I grew up in a home where it was definitely not allowed to give “the bird” no anyone, it didn't matter how mad you were. So personally I would never use it. From what I hear it is not as offensive as it may have used to have been, but then it also depends on the situation and who it is coming from. And yes I do believe that if everyone gives the bird all the time, more people are going to start doing it. Our younger generation will copy us and keep the hand gesture alive. It is still an offensive non-verbal gesture but it has become more acceptable to perform it regularly.

Answer 1

Meaningful comment:

I agree that non-verbal gestures are as important as the verbal ones. In fact, when compared to earlier times, people have become more comfortable in "giving the bird" as it is now. But, I do think that there are always ways to articulate one's opinions and anger or dissatisfaction without the use of offensive gestures. It is also correct that the younger generation is more susceptible to learn from us when we use such gestures without thinking much about it. It is important to remain civil and engage in conversations that are enriching and help at maintaining relationships. Therefore, gestures such as "giving the bird" can almost always be replaced with better, more modest alternatives.