Date: Fri, 5 Dec 1997 09:31:23 +0000

From: David Bergdahl bergdahl[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]OAK.CATS.OHIOU.EDU

Subject: Re: "Ich bin ein Berliner"



Duane Campbell wrote:



At 12:37 PM 11/27/97 -0500, you wrote:



When time permits, I'll send along some other examples of gaffes in

communication. Two come to mind now. During his presidency, George Bush

visited Australia, and flashed the V (for Victory) sign when getting off

the plane. I remember the American newspapers explaining the next day

that in Australia that sign is an indecent gesture.



I wonder what the Aussies thought of Churchill.

\



Duane Campbell dcamp[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]epix.net

http://www.epix.net/~dcamp/



It's not just limited to Aussies. The significant feature that makes

this iconic sign obscene is the side of the hand facing outwards; Field

Marshall Montgomery, I believe, once erred is giving a "Fuck Off" sign

where "Victory" would have been more appropriate. I *think* the obscene

version is with the inside of the hand [and knuckles] visible and

victory the back of the hand--but I could be wrong.



--

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