Fist Gestures
I was watching the presidential debate at my friend's dads' house in Southeast Minneapolis.
While I was locked out of my apartment and enjoying the jokes being passed around, I noticed something.
Obama's hand gestures are practiced, not surprising as everything a candidate does in public is viewed with high criticism.
While it is obvious he was more comfortable with the parallel open handed nature in which he spreads them, his other practiced gesture had a lot of troubling issues behind it.
What bothers me about it? Sure, it's something of a fist, but not as threatening. It's also something of a point with his index finger, but not as accusing.
What bothers me, is the fact that candidates are not allowed to express themselves. Yes, it's true that a President should be accountable for their actions, but what kind of society have we become where simple hand gestures have to be rehearsed and practiced so it doesn't offend or anger people.
The idea behind this bothered me so greatly that I was unable to concentrate fully on the words being spoken.
Is this the kind of society that America should be? Where how someone chooses to illustrate their ideas is more important than what they say? What they believe?
I certainly hope not.