Ok it was embarrassing enough when Obama and his stupid wife........oops I mean the "First Lady" fist bumped each other on national t.v. But now we have another American politician teaching of all people the DaLi Lama how to do it? Tacky, unsophisticated, embarrassing!!!!!!!!!!!

I know Asian cultures are known for bowing in front of others as a form of greeting. Other cultures like Middle Eastern cultures kiss hands. Is the "fist bump" an African custom?

No it is not.

Its an african american custom, although many people of all ethnicities use it as a way to praise or greet someone. I don't see the point of this thread though..

I use the fist bump with my friends. I'm a white kid, I really don't see what the problem is. It is a greeting which indicates trust and friendship. Not to mention it is much more sanitary than shaking hands.

All in all, it isn't a big deal, it's just a new greeting that has emerged in the last few decades.

It's tacky and unsophisticated. That's the problem..........you two, obviously much younger don't see anything wrong with it. It's a pop culture thing hardly a customary tradition. If I'm at a dinner party meeting someone for the first time or if I greet my doctor should I fist bump him? We are not talking about friends in private. We are talking about heads of state and other important political leaders doing it in formal settings. It's not a formal greeting. It's stupid. The point of this thread? What's the point of half the threads on ATS? It's political discourse i.e. OPINION! If you think the thread or the topic is worthless don't post in it.

It's symbolic of the twilight of American culture.