The Strange Case of the Hanover High Shocker
In May of 2000, it was reported in the local paper that thirty-four students
who had attended Hanover High School in Pennsylvania had had their pictures
taken for the school yearbook giving an obscene gesture. The principal, John P.
Cokefair, had sent a letter to the thirty-four students' parents explaining
that because of the preponderance of this gesture in the photos, the offending
photos would be re-taken, without the gesturing students, and these students
would bear the cost of the re-shoot.
Additionally, the students were to recieve community service for a day, and
seniors who did not show up would be denied their diplomas, while truant
underclassmen would be given a three-day suspension.
An outsider who hears this story naturally asks the same question: How were
thirty-four students able to give the finger and not get caught until it was
necessary to replace the photos?
Therein lies the interesting fact of this event; the gesture in question was
not the middle finger, but a gesture known in certain circles as "the shocker".
Principal Cokefair explained in his letter that the reference was "so horrific"
that some students could not even speak of it. His letter explained, "perhaps
your child will elaborate when you have a talk about this matter."
In fact, the photos had been taken throughout the year, but were undetected as
anything meaningful until some team photos were brought to the attention of the
administration by a faculty member in the athletic department. Once the meaning
was known, the yearbook had become a minefield of obscenity and deplorable
references; the Principal had felt he must act.
You can read the rest of the story and see pictures of the gesture at:
http://www.rotten.com/library/language/the-finger/shocker/
:)
Gerry 49M SOCAL USA
Shibumi? In the martial arts, it means effortless perfection. In art and home
decorating, it means in harmony with nature. Subdued natural colors, soft music
tones, and the sounds of falling water.
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