What's up w the peace or V sign in photos?

[look 171]

I am not hip, so what or why? I remember about 15 or 20 years ago first seeing some Asian, maybe movie stars or something doing that in photos of magazines while waiting for take out. Now, its seem everyone's doing it.

[Gogar]

I suggest they flip it around so a few countries can get offended. At least it would be a conversation starter.

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I suggest they flip it around so a few countries can get offended. At least it would be a conversation starter.

I doubt many would know what it means if they did.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by look 171

I am not hip, so what or why? I remember about 15 or 20 years ago first seeing some Asian, maybe movie stars or something doing that in photos of magazines while waiting for take out. Now, its seem everyone's doing it.

It's one of those things that has evolved and been adapted by various groups over the years, and it's use depends on context.

My first encounter and understanding, outside the historic usage as a symbol of "victory" from WWII, was during the anti-war movement of the Viet Nam era. It was used as a sign of "peace," as in a victory over the war (as opposed to "in" the war), which soon evolved into a sign of solidarity with those opposed to the war, which morphed into solidarity with those in the counter-culture who peacefully resisted the "establishment" of the time in their dress and behavior--including recreational drug use. Since that time, whenever I see it used by people today, I identify it as a sign of identification with some cultural sub-group that is, in some way, resisting the norms of their society, peacefully. In short, when I see it used today, I interpret is as indicating the person is in some kind of "fight" for a particular cause which I may or may not even know about.

Of course, I also see it used by some who, quite obviously, have no clue as to why they are using it. They use it because they see others (say, Justin Bieber) use it and they think it's cool.

[jyl]

I've only been hauled into HR 2X in 35 years. Both times I was terminated

[motion]

It's better than thumbs up. Gawd, I hate that.

[Noah930]

Trojans fans?

[VINMAN]

Started by the "white sunglasses" crowd.


.

[scottmandue]

it seems to me it started years ago in Asian culture (I married a Korean so I can say that) much like the selfie stick.

There may be some meaning but as often seems to happen in that culture some random thing catches on and becomes the norm.

[DanielDudley]

If someone gives you the V with the palm of the hand facing you, it is a non aggressive acknowledgement. If they give you the V and the back of their hand is facing you, it is an insult.

That's about all it means today. Peace.

[masraum]

I don't know about elsewhere, but it's a common symbol in Japan, and it has been for quite some time. Girls frequently do it when posing for a picture. I have no idea if it means anything to them or not.











In my search for the photos above, I found

Japanese V Sign

According to the English Wikipedia, during the 1972 Winter Olympics in Japan, skater Janet Lynn (who was also a peace activist) was photographed by the Japanese media doing the V-sign. Although the V-sign was already recognized in Japan, it was apparently these photos of Lynn that popularized the use of the V-sign.
The Japanese entry in Wikipedia however does not mention Lynn at all and instead gives 2 theories of when the V-sign started to take off.
One theory says that the V-sign became popular after actor Jun Inoue decided to do the gesture in a Nikon commercial back in 1972.

Another theory talks about how the V-sign took off in the 80's when kids started to do the gesture when having their photos taken. Back then it was common to say "Peace" at the same time.
Whatever the origin, folks in Japan like to do the peace sign and I find it awesome when cute girls do it ^^;

[Eric Coffey]

That's not a peace sign. It's a gang sign. Wesss-side scissor mafia, yo.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by jyl

I've only been hauled into HR 2X in 35 years. Both times I was terminated

For showing the V sign??

[Baz]

[Outback Porsche]

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I suggest they flip it around so a few countries can get offended. At least it would be a conversation starter.

I was told that in the UK when I flashed it to someone telling them we wanted a table for two. I had no clue, this was during my college years. Funny

[look 171]

Originally Posted by masraum

I don't know about elsewhere, but it's a common symbol in Japan, and it has been for quite some time. Girls frequently do it when posing for a picture. I have no idea if it means anything to them or not.











In my search for the photos above, I found

Japanese V Sign

Yes, this. I know about all the other stuff related to the war and the peace movement, but why the Asians do that, This is not just the Japanese who do this, many of the Koreans and Chinese young people do it too. I do notice only the foreign ones do it, and older folks do not.

I was curious when I was waiting at a stop light near a high school and these kids were taking a photo and they all had their Vs up making faces. These were American kids. You old farts are no help, I gotta ask the kids

[yetibone]

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by look 171

Yes, this. I know about all the other stuff related to the war and the peace movement, but why the Asians do that, This is not just the Japanese who do this, many of the Koreans and Chinese young people do it too. I do notice only the foreign ones do it, and older folks do not.

I was curious when I was waiting at a stop light near a high school and these kids were taking a photo and they all had their Vs up making faces. These were American kids. You old farts are no help, I gotta ask the kids

Just my old fart theory:
But it seems American youth have become enamored with Asian culture, i.e. Honda's and Miata's lowered to a half inch off the ground, fart can exhaust, 'stance' your car, pokeman, anime...
I don't think it means anything... just like wearing your jeans half way off your azz with your boxers showing.

[Esel Mann]

Well, I've practiced the 'v' both palm in and palm out in front of the mirror. I have to say it doesn't have the look-n-feel of the middle finger but hey, I'm willing to give it a try see.

I'm heading to the pub to watch some college football. That should be an adequate venue to try this out 'live'. I'll report back with my findings later.....