4 ms·
Always use the OK sign (to mean OK), even if someone else uses it to mean something else. Use it aggressively, always, relentlessly, as protest against bigotry
by rendall 4y ago
Always use the OK sign (to mean OK), even if someone else uses it to mean something else. Use it aggressively, always, relentlessly, as protest against bigotry and against language policing.
- smcl 4y agoIf you're going to use it "aggressively, always, relentlessly" then you may have to brace yourself for the occasions when you use it to someone from Brazil (where it's said to be a gesture along the lines of the middle finger) or with black-bloc counter-protestors near a nazi rally, or any other context where it's considered hateful or just generally rude. The Brazilian may just think you're an asshole. The black bloc guys will assume you are with the nazis who just hospitalised their friend... This is what's important - it's not banned, it's not going to get you jailed. It's just going to land you in a tricky situation if you use it where it's going to be interpreted as a hate symbol. What you do with this information is up to you.
- rendall 4y agoIt will land me in "tricky situations" only with assholes. The Brazilian will probably, like any reasonable human being, understand.
- smcl 4y agoWell, good luck. You’ll find out where people’s limits are one way or another.
- rendall 4y agoEvery day we all must suffer fools, or those who choose violence to support their views, or both. Our choice as peaceful, civilized, thoughtful people is whether we choose to let them win. Violence and thoughtlessness are the enemy, no matter which side indulges.