Thursday, March 30, 2006

Interpreting Scalia’s Gesture

There has been much talk about the gesture Justice Scalia made in response to a reporter’s question here in Boston last weekend, but I haven’t seen a picture of it until now. There have been various descriptions, but the photo in this article makes it clear that the Justice is being disingenuous when he says the gesture means “I couldn’t care less.” Maybe it does mean that in Sicily where Scalia’s ancestors apparently are from. However, in neighboring Naples, where my ancestors are from, flicking the back of the fingers of the right hand off the bottom of the chin means something very different indeed. And it is obscene.

Which is not to say that some reporters don’t deserve it, but such a gesture in public, in church, is beneath the dignity of a Supreme Court Justice.

Posted by Matt on 03/30 at 09:22 AM
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