So, since we’re in an economic downtown, which might be a recession — or even a depression! — I think we need to revamp some of our interactions. The language has already changed. We’re talking about cutbacks and stimulus, not IPOs and early retirement.
That means it’s likely past time to change our non-verbal means of communication, too. Those facial cues that tell us what a person really means are just as important as what he or she is saying.
In that spirit, I propose a moratorium on the “thumbs up” display — except, perhaps, ironically. But who can afford irony these days?
“Thumbs up” was perfect for the go-go 2000s, but it’s just insensitive now that we’re in a cash crunch. This is no time for the hurly-burly goodtime feels of the Buddy Jesus. It’s time for a more sombre look at like. It’s time for the pout face.
(from Flickr user malisonian)
Technically, I think it’s better if you use a finger to pull down one side of your lower lip, but the expresiveness of a simple pout perfectly sums up today’s economic environment.
Don’t worry about what your mother told you — you won’t trip over it. She probably grew up in a nice decade, when “thumbs up” meant that all was well, and maybe some stranger would pull over his car to give you a ride to Awesome Town. Now, “thumbs up” means you may as well sit on it, since there ain’t any jobs.
A pout face, with it’s extended lower lip, will serve you well in the line for the soup kitchen — it’ll catch the scraps that the other unemployed bankers miss!
Grant Hamilton
