What Makes The Fist Bump Gesture Unique?
Christopher Philip
Two main notable contributors moved the fist bump, where two people greet each other by smashing their closed fist knuckles first into one another, into the forefront.
The most prominent is President Obama in his 2008 campaign used the gesture in a restaurant to greet an employee. Also, Howie Mandel, a comedian added more power to the gesture in his role as judge on America’s Got Talent. Howie is an admitted germophobe and arbores intimate contact especially handshakes. The fist bump gave him an “out” where he could greet his guests without mashing his palm (and swap germs) against that of a contestant – a virtual stranger. The fist bump was a way for Howie to avoid the intimacy of the handshake.
In common circles, we see the fist bump as a friendly exchange. It says “Hey, what’s up,” “Nice to see ya man,” or as way to encourage as in “Way to go dude,” or “Nice going.”
While it’s difficult to pin-point the exact origination of the gesture, David Given, an anthropologist with the Center for Nonverbal Studies has postulated that it first came to be in American sports. He says that the gesture was used between teammates on and off the field as a way to greet one another and to showcase triumph.
In an interview with NPR, Given says that “The fist bump is one of the few gestures that is equal — You could do it with President Obama, and you’d both be equals at that time.”
It’s been said that a handshake can be manipulated for dominance and submission. The top hand with palm down can push your handshake partner into submission. However, in the fist bump, neither party has the upper hand.
That said, the fist bump can be used to jostle for dominance. For example, using a higher intensity can create pain and discomfort in your partner. This can create a power trip. Whereas the pain can be spread evenly between both parties, which is unlike the one-way street of a crushing power handshake, the one who is willing to tolerate the pain of a rammed fist bump, demonstrates his desire for power through pain.
In addition, the fist bump can be initiated by the more dominant person more often, thereby controlling touching. Someone that vies for affection and connection through the fist bump too often though, shows insecurity. Outright refusal of a fist bump can show distain and deep rejection as is all refusal to touch.
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