What Gesture Does This Photo Represent?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a specific hand gesture made by a public figure in a photograph. Participants explore various meanings and cultural associations of the gesture, considering its implications in different contexts, including political and social settings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest the gesture could represent a "rock/er" sign or be interpreted as a symbol of support for the University of Texas Longhorns.
  • Others propose that the gesture is being used by supporters to signify "W," referring to the public figure's name.
  • A few participants humorously claim the gesture indicates a connection to heavy metal culture or even devil worship, with references to Satan.
  • There are assertions that the gesture may have been adopted without understanding its implications, with one participant suggesting it was mimicked from others in a social setting.
  • Some participants note that the gesture has been misinterpreted in different cultural contexts, specifically mentioning reactions from Norway.
  • Several comments reflect on the potential for misunderstanding and the humorous side of the gesture, with some participants encouraging a more optimistic view of the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of interpretations and opinions regarding the gesture, with no clear consensus on its meaning or implications. Multiple competing views remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some interpretations depend on cultural context and personal beliefs, and there are references to previous discussions or claims about the gesture that are not fully substantiated within this thread.

mattmns
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What does this gesture mean? I always thought it was a "rock/er" gesture, I do not think a president would use it, but you never know I guess. I was thinking maybe 2, as in his second term, but I don't know.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050120/ids_photos_ts/r1352513220.jpg
 
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I think I heard on the news today that some of his supporters were starting to use it to mean "W" Somehow, it seems sinister to see him using it.
 
It means he is a fan of heavy metal devil music and he worships SATAN! :smile: :smile: :smile:

BeavisButthead-01.gif
 
Hook 'em Horns (University of Texas Longhorns), OR Love. But don't quote me.
 
It's the UT symbol.

http://www.wonkette.com/politics/hill/laura-bush-shows-her-allegiance-028740.php
 
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I'm sure he doesn't know what it is either.
 
Echo 6 Sierra said:
Hook 'em Horns (University of Texas Longhorns), OR Love. But don't quote me.


UNiversity of texas is the other way around, back of the hand out(i think), and he didn't go there. I remember reading about that on a website claiming bush to be the anti christ a few years back, pointing out that that is a traditional gesture of devil worshippers. My guess, its a skull and bones society thing, which he would not be able to admit to if that's true.
 
I think averagesupernova probably guessed right. He probably saw some guys in a bar doing it and thought he'd be cool and do it too.
 
  • #10
Moonbear said:
I think averagesupernova probably guessed right. He probably saw some guys in a bar doing it and thought he'd be cool and do it too.


I didn't know avant-garde was part of the conservative ideal.
 
  • #11
I don't know guys/gals,u seem to look at the bad part...Think of the bright side...He could have shown one finger,that finger... :-p

Daniel.

P.S.Be optimistic.Tomorrow's going to be far worse... :-p
 
  • #12
I've seen that pic before. He was at a UTexas gathering of some sort.
 
  • #13
franznietzsche said:
I didn't know avant-garde was part of the conservative ideal.

Surely now, you have no choice but to denounce conservatism, and step across the fence to where us liberal pinkos party :wink:
 
  • #14
enigma said:
I've seen that pic before. He was at a UTexas gathering of some sort.

Aha! Amazing what a little context will do.
 
  • #15
It's well known that GWB is a Ronnie James Dio fan.
 
  • #16
I have found proof that he worships Satan!

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=431141

AP said:
President Bush's "Hook 'em, 'horns" salute got lost in translation in Norway, where shocked people interpreted his hand gesture during his inauguration as a salute to Satan.

BeavisButthead-01.gif

Dun-du-de-dun-du-de-dun DUN-DE!
 
  • #17
polyb said:
I have found proof that he worships Satan!

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=431141



BeavisButthead-01.gif

Dun-du-de-dun-du-de-dun DUN-DE!


If its good enough for norway, its good enough for me. :approve:
 
  • #18
Ahh ok, that makes sense, thanks.
 
  • #19
enigma said:
I've seen that pic before. He was at a UTexas gathering of some sort.

OK. Apparantly I saw a similar photo before.

According to the caption, that sign was given as a UTexas float was driving by during the inaugural celebrations.
 
  • #20
dextercioby said:
I don't know guys/gals,u seem to look at the bad part...Think of the bright side...He could have shown one finger,that finger... :-p

Daniel.

P.S.Be optimistic.Tomorrow's going to be far worse... :-p
No, no, no. That finger is reserved for when you go through the express lane with one too many objects and the person behind you is obnoxious enough to ask you if you know how to count.

Obviously, the only possible reply is "Yes, can you?". :devil:
 

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