Pomomusings

Technology, Theology & Ministry

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact

The Death of the Handshake and the Rise of the…Curtsy!

February 26, 2010 Adam Walker Cleaveland

It should be noted that this post is written in the words of guest-blogger Sarah Walker Cleaveland, as she said “I have an idea for your blog” while she was half-asleep. It seemed like a good idea at the time – we’ll let you be the judge now.

I think you should use your influence to convince the internets that handshakes are part of the 1.0 world, very “modern” if you will.

Think about it: we live in an age of germs and phobia about germs and handshakes spread germs. Plus there are all the bad handshakes that you can get:

  • There are those people who try and just crush your hand.
  • There are those people with wet or moist hands (and you’re not quite sure why their hands are wet).
  • There is of course the “limp” or “dead fish” handshake.
  • There are people who just grasp your fingertips. Or the people who seem like they’re trying to take your pulse.
  • People who have just coughed or sneezed.
  • People who are eating shit and have crumbs and goop on their hands.

I mean, so many bad handshakes. And instead, I think we should promote the return of the curtsy.

Curtsy is clearly postmodern (no right way to do it – so many options and variation). The curtsy is 2.0. It’s a sign of respect, we don’t have to touch each other, anyone can do it, we can all have fun laughing at each other (hence: more joy in the world). People of different heights can do it – you don’t have to kneel down to a child to do it. And doesn’t it just sound like a word that is more fun to say…curtsy. Try it…”curtsy.”

I see only one flaw with this plan – which is that while there is at least the slight possibility that we might be able to teach Sadie how to shake…the curtsy will be a little harder.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Random Tagged With: Curtsy, Handshakes, Respect

Adam is an artist, entrepreneur, pastor, husband and father. He lives in Skokie, Illinois with his wife Sarah (who is also a pastor), their son Caleb, and their dog, Sadie. Read More…

« Convergence: Where Faith and Life Meet – A Review
Carrie Newcomer’s “Before and After” Album: A Review »
  • Books
  • Art & Design
  • Ministry
  • PC(USA)
  • Sexuality
  • Theology
  • Youth Ministry

Copyright © 2023 · Adam Walker Cleaveland

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.