On a visit to Australia, then president George H. W. Bush offended the Australians when he flashed the two-fingered "V for victory" sign to a crowd. Unfortunately, he flashed the sign with his palm facing himself and not the crowd. This is an example of how the use of __________, which vary from culture to culture, may lead to confusion or conflict if used outside of the user's culture.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Emblems are nonverbal gestures or symbols that have a specific meaning within a particular culture. The "V for victory" sign is an emblem that can have different meanings depending on the context and culture. In some cultures, such as the United States, the sign is commonly used to represent victory or peace. However, in Australia and other countries, the sign can have a vulgar or offensive meaning if the palm is facing inward. This example illustrates how the use of an emblem outside of the user's culture can lead to confusion or offense.

On a Visit to Australia, Then President George H