When two fingers is not rude... or isn't it?

[monotonehell]

Disney (and amazingly McDonalds) have a policy for CMs that if they need to visually indicate a direction, they are not to point with one finger (as it is rude, apparently) but gesture with two (while McDonalds' policy is to gesture with an open palm).

This leads me to several questions:

1. Why is it rude to point in a direction? I know that it's generally rude to point directly AT someone. But when since was it rude to point out, say, Space Mountain TO someone?

2. Taking 1 as read, how is it any less rude to point with two fingers? One would still be POINTING.

3. How many licks to the center of a Tootsie Roll?

[DisneyDude2006]

3: The world may never know

[tikibug]

Two fingers is like the flight attendant thing. Hmm. I have no idea why using "two" would be any more polite that "one."

[AlexLoup]

Disney (and amazingly McDonalds) have a policy for CMs that if they need to visually indicate a direction, they are not to point with one finger (as it is rude, apparently) but gesture with two (while McDonalds' policy is to gesture with an open palm).

This leads me to several questions:

1. Why is it rude to point in a direction? I know that it's generally rude to point directly AT someone. But when since was it rude to point out, say, Space Mountain TO someone?

2. Taking 1 as read, how is it any less rude to point with two fingers? One would still be POINTING.

1. Cause one is pointing away and three are pointing at you (not including the thumb.)

2. Now it's two fingers pointing away and two at you... half and half (again not counting the thumb.

Really I don't know... my 4th grade teacher told me that when I was hallway monitor showing kids to class.

[Datameister]

Didn't know this...how odd. I honestly can't think of a single good reason for this policy. Perhaps the idea is to increase visibility of the pointing? Or to eradicate any tenuous subconscious connection between this innocuous type of pointing and the oh-so-terrible form of pointing that singles out whatever unlucky soul lies in the direction indicated? In any case, it seems quite dumb to have as an official policy.

But a far worse policy is the one that prohibits photos backstage. I'd much prefer to see that one go.

[xRybo]

I've had teachers who only point with their middle finger, maybe people can take it the wrong way? I know the "middle finger" is a different finger in different countries, so two, I would think, rules that out.

*This is just an assumption*

[pineapplewhipaddict]

In a different culture, it can be seen as rude.

From my own experience, corporations stress using an open palm more nowadays.

[KISSman]

1) My guess might be so no one could mistaken a CM for pointing at them while giving directions. I'm probably wrong, though.

2) I don't know why, but IMO it still does. There is a more thoughtful vibe to the idea that someone is making the effort not to point.

3) Mr. Owl says "three" and I believe him.

[Melonballer]

3. How many licks to the center of a Tootsie Roll?

This one I can answer. It takes 0, if you use a firecracker.

[Dan - Tasmic!]

It's a joke between us CMs that if Walt himself pointed with on e finger, he would drop his cigarette, , hahaha!

[DisneyMouse]

This is just speculation, but when you point with one finger, it's a very forceful hand position (your palm is closed). However, gesturing with and open palm is much more welcoming, and a friendlier and position (your palm is open). Once again, just speculation.

Then again, that doesn't really work if they are useing two fingers. Still seems a little forceful...

12, and a bite!

[Elle]

I always feel like it's show-and-tell time with the open palm. Then I feel dumb.

The center of a Tootsie Roll is more Tootsie Roll.

[RealEmotionFFX2]

actually i thought it was ridiculous when i saw this but i remembered a cultural aspect.

if you point with one finger in Japan, it shows that you are "higher" than someone but if you use your palm, it appears more friendly. I guess it has to deal with politeness.

[Alpine]

It's so you can spot CM's outside of the park by asking them to point at something and checking for the cast member gang sign.

[DarylF]

It's a joke between us CMs that if Walt himself pointed with one finger, he would drop his cigarette, , hahaha!

I recall hearing this, too, during Traditions years ago. Walt was a chain smoker, and apparently would always point with two fingers. Thus, the Disney way of pointing was born.

As for being rude, I personally don't think it matters. Bears looking into! Do we have any micechatters with a background in body language? Yeah.... I'm pointing at YOU!