David points here, so I should fill the void. I think the palm-to-recipient "forgive me" gesture has a much better chance of catching on than the back-of-the-hand gesture. "...quick upwards thrust"? I'm in my car at a red light, and the guy behind me honks for a reason I can't figure. I check my rearview mirror, and he gives me this unknown backhanded gesture with a quick upwards thrust? I'd be tempted to put it in reverse and accelerate. (My jalopy is just ready for the expression-of-rage-through-bent-metal stage.)
Forgive me David: Palm outward is the way to go. Like the Benedictions sculptures at the Park St subway stops in Boston. And for extra humility, touch your forefinger to your slightly bowed forehead.
[In looking up these scupltures, it was good to learn that the sculptor, Ralph Helmick, was the creator of the Arthur Fiedler memorial bust on the Esplanade. At the fireworks one year, people perched on it for a better view, but were brought down humbly by chants of "get off Arthur's head, get off Arthur's head...". The gesture would have come in handy then.]
June 24, 2002 09:45 PM