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While we’re changing all the ways we interact with each other in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, can we all agree to stop clasping the dirtiest parts of each other upon greeting? It doesn’t matter if we’ve known each other years or minutes, the customary thing we do is grab someone’s nasty hand and give it a shake.
Why? Because that’s how it’s always been done. Poppycock!
Last week, a C-Net writer suggested we replace this death-promoting ritual with Leonard Nimoy’s character Dr. Spock’s iconic Vulcan salute.
You do it by raising your hand with the palm facing forward, extending the thumb, and separating the middle and ring fingers, thusly.
In an interview with the LA Times, Nimoy said he adapted it from the Jewish Priestly Blessing. The gesture became so iconic that President Obama once used it to greet Nimoy.
Everyone from churches to governments to Queen Elizabeth are saying no to shaking hands. Naturally, that means yes to the Vulcan “Live long and prosper” salute.
Actor George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu, is on board.
Having a hard time grasping the health-conscious gesture?
Here’s a video where Mr. Spock helps a befuddled Dr. McCoy move his fingers into the correct position.
With a little practice and a smidgeon of social aggression and shaming to push others to do it, we can change society from using hand-shaking ridiculousness in greeting to the ultra-chic Vulcan salute.
It won’t be weird if we all do it!
But hey, what do you think? Should we forgo the handshake going forward? Switch to the Vulcan salute, or maybe even the Namaste greeting?
Let us know in the comments!
