Bland Rand Demand New Brand Hand — Let Linger The Middle Finger Zinger
July 21, 2007 at 6:52 am
Today’s Washington Post reports this:
A Rand Corp. report commissioned by the U.S. Joint Forces Command provides examples of how misinterpreted images have damaged the U.S. government’s credibility in Iraq, Afghanistan and other nations.
Shocking evidence of how American customs infuriate the rest of the world, and presumably instigate terror attacks against us, include this shameful episode in American history:
Let’s focus on the top image — the hook ‘em horns public diplomacy fiasco. You know, old timers might remember the glory days of American history when obscene hand gestures actually produced good results for the rest of the world, such as the spread of freedom and democracy and truth. I’m thinking specifically of that moment in 1983 when I attended a University of Maryland football game, got so disgusted at their inept play, mustered up the courage to yell “You Suck!,” then took the ultimate act: I displayed my middle finger. Little did I realize then the proud freedom movement that one simple, elegant and quite bold act would spark: The next day, America invaded Grenada.
Leave a Comment