Are you offended by the finger?

[SoopaSte123]

Are you ever actually offended when someone gives you the finger? It's supposed to be an offensive sign you give your enemies, but does it really work anymore?

Today I passed an ex-friend of mine (that's someone who was previously in my friend circle, but we "broke up" with him... long story) and he gave me the finger, I assume in some attempt to make me feel bad. The effect was quite the opposite of the intended one: I laughed.

I've just realized that I've never given someone the finger in an act of anger, it's always been with my friends just joking around. Someone using it in all seriousness just seemed pathetic to me.

Thoughts?

EDIT: Poll isn't working... how fun.

 

[TeeBs]

The weight of how hurtful something like the middle finger is too you is what the middle finger means to you. Its an idea and if used by someone who you wish to feel acceptance from it will probably mean a whole lot more. If you like a girl and she flips you off its a sign she hates you like any other sign, but if some random guy does it its meaningless. Its all about context.

 

[manythings]

I don't feel it but I don't think it is about making someone feel bad as communicating that you think they are an asshole. A thumbs up works on the reverse principle, "Good Job" or "I support that".

 

[zombiesinc]

I haven't given anyone the finger out of frustration, it's only ever been jokingly. I've seen many people actually do it out of frustration, but it rarely seems to be taken seriously, or even noticed.

It's used so often these days I feel it's lost a lot of weight behind it.

 

[PureChaos]

not really, i think it's kinda immature.

 

[lacktheknack]

Mildly. I never get the finger, though.

 

[Shade184]

I've never been offended by it. I'm more offended by the sheer wussiness of the people who censor it, because "omg someone might take offence".

 

[DanielDeFig]

Yes, i am offended. I am offended by the fact that it's not socially acceptable for me to wave my middle finger(s) around. Why should i have to be careful about my finger exercises (I play around with my fingers sometimes. It's fun/compulsive habit), just because someone thought it looked like a male groin and decided to use it as a symbol of insult?

 

[emeraldrafael]

Not really, mainly cause I'm at the age where if someone is gonna give me the finger, they may as well just shout fuck you and be done with it. Personally I think the finger (and what it represents) its funny, and I laugh when someone does it (which usually gets me in more trouble) cause its just childish. Gets even funnier when there's some kinda elaborate motion.

I'm not even sure how it got that meaning to be honest, and its not universal.

EDIT:

I haven't given anyone the finger out of frustration, it's only ever been jokingly. I've seen many people actually do it out of frustration, but it rarely seems to be taken seriously, or even noticed.

It's used so often these days I feel it's lost a lot of weight behind it.

you odnt see many car accidents happen do you? Or.. maybe not accidents, but see people get cut off do you?

 

[similar.squirrel]

I'd be offended by the fact that someone disliked me enough to tell me, I guess.

 

[KiKiweaky]

Depends I doubt if an ex gave me the finger I would do anything but laugh. On the other hand say I asked someone out (nicely now) and get a finger in response then yes it probably would have the desired effect of offending/upsetting me.

In general no though, friends pass in a car fling a barrage of insults and middle fingers my way, I'd find it hilarious. All a bit of friendly banter you know.

 

[Marter]

If it's meant in offence, then possibly. Usually though, I won't, because I don't care enough.

 

[BehattedWanderer]

It's amusing, but overplayed. For me and my friends, we have gone well past the finger for insulting each other.

 

[minespatch]

I'm desensitized so...

Let me explain: The middle finger is the longest part of your hand due to the placement it's in. The pinkie however is the smallest one.

Middle finger acts as one to compensate a penis as to shout "This is my ego peeing on you!". So, to screw with peoples minds back in middle school, I would use the pinkie finger to mock them for being such morons...

Wait.

 

[BENZOOKA]

Not really. But it's all in the context. You can't draw an insult out of it's context, be it words or a gesture.

It's a different matter if a friend jokingly says "fuck you" or gives the finger, just for fun in a lighthearted situation or because you managed to do something he/she or you never expected to happen in some competitive thing.

But if it's someone you've really got a tense relationship/situation with, or it's just because to piss you off, then of course it mind offend. But it might be just a certain look to do the same job, if it's a serious spot enough.

 

[Dogstile]

I use it if i'm not in the mood and don't look at the person I give it too.

But aside from that, never offended.

 

[Leg End]

No. You can flash me your reproductive organ for all I care. :/

OP: You should have made him look and say "Find THIS".