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.

I think the "the bird" nonverbal gesture still has its negative meaning but now people use more commonly and probably they don't attach a negative meaning to it. Nonverbal messages are always used by everyone and some of them can express a specific meaning and others are more complicate to understand. however the bird nonverbal gesture has been categorized as a negative nonverbal message and I think it still has that negative message. Although people now use it more commonly it is still perceive as disrespectful and offensive. Probably the meaning of that nonverbal gesture has not change and the only thing that changed is that people are becoming more used to it, so it is more commonly used now. I think it depends on what situation and who is using the gesture, sometimes it can be playful and not really serious but sometimes it can be very offensive, it depends on every particular situation. I personally don't use that gesture and don't remember if I have been given that gesture. But I think it is very offensive, I think people are becoming more used to gestures like this, but it still has the negative meaning. I think nonverbal messages are important so people should pay more attention to the messages they are communicating.

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. Also, it is important to remember the target of your conversation and how they will identify with symbols such as "giving the bird". A person in their, say 50-60s may be more offended than say, a person in their 20s. Or it might also be the reverse case. Therefore, gestures such as "giving the bird" can almost always be replaced with better, more modest alternatives. This helps in ensuring that communication is civil.