I'm Human Too
Today a thumb signal, usually described as a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, is a common hand gesture achieved by a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward or downward in approval or disapproval, respectively. These gestures have become metaphors in English: "The audience gave the movie the thumbs-up" means that the audience approved of the movie, regardless of whether the gesture was actually made. The term itself is an Anglo-Saxon word indicating the measure of a clenched hand with the thumb extended.
However in Ancient Rome in gladiatorial combat thumbs up by the crowd meant death and thumbs down life for the defeated gladiator.
These men once were horn-blowers and attendants
At every municipal arena, known as trumpeters in every village.
Now they present their own spectacles, and, to win applause,
Kill whomever the mob gives the “thumbs up”.
Decimus Junius Juvenalis; a.k.a. Juvenal
(c. 55-140 A.D.), "Third Satire"
I wondered how this gesture could have become inverted and now I wonder if perhaps it has not been and when the modern gesture is used it actually celebrates death? It is as if slaughtering is actually the group thought reflecting all is ok?
However in Ancient Rome in gladiatorial combat thumbs up by the crowd meant death and thumbs down life for the defeated gladiator.
These men once were horn-blowers and attendants
At every municipal arena, known as trumpeters in every village.
Now they present their own spectacles, and, to win applause,
Kill whomever the mob gives the “thumbs up”.
Decimus Junius Juvenalis; a.k.a. Juvenal
(c. 55-140 A.D.), "Third Satire"
I wondered how this gesture could have become inverted and now I wonder if perhaps it has not been and when the modern gesture is used it actually celebrates death? It is as if slaughtering is actually the group thought reflecting all is ok?
61-69, M
