HELP! am being falsely accused of being a National Front Sympathiser!

[Nelli]

At work we've been split into teams, and for the sake of our small team's spirit, when we do well we do this thing where we make a fist with our right hand and knock/bang our chest twice over our heart, like the kinda thing gangs do in American movies, (brotherhood and all that), we are only messing about, and it's started to bug a team leader on another team. He has recently employed a Jamaican chap, and has told us to stop doing this as this 'Team' action is apparently (unbenownst to us) a National Front display!!! Now we are going to be horrified if this is right, as we honestly had no idea, but could it just be sour grapes from the guy who's not included in our team, and he's trying to make us feel un-comfortable? Any ideas, (A) where this action comes from and (B) what it actually means?

[Nelli]

BTW: I Am sure that I have seen American movies where all black gangs make this sign! It's that kinda thing.

[gilf]

I would have said it were more a black power symbol than NF. NF use a Nazi salute

[Nelli]

Thanks Gilf! That's exactly how I would describe the sign! Cheers mate. It must also be a sign in sign language....anyone know what that might be also?

[inferno]

Black power salute is a clenched fist upraised with the upper arm horizontal and the clenched fist level with the head

[sft42]

Just seen the very symbol your talking about being used on this weeks episode of "Scrubs" on Channel 4...It was used by a white man saying goodbye to a black friend and was taken as a friendly gesture....It's nothing like a Nazi salute....I would ask if a serious complaint is being lodged and if not then the person can't be that offened can they? If there is a real problem in the offing then plead ignorance and offer to stop the gesture right away.

[Nelli]

Thanks guys! I also saw the exact salute/sign on Gonzo on MTV 2 by Zane ??(Whatever his name is) I am begininng to doubt if there was eve a complaint in the first place and that this is a childish case of sour grapes. Still I am going to speak to the guy, who supposedly lodged a complaint, direct and apologise if I have caused any offence, if he starts to give me blank looks, I will have to explain the story, if he did indeed take offence, then at least he knows there were no ulterior intentions behind it.....honesty is always the best policy! :-)

[Elle]

How did you get on Nelli? Have you spoken to the guy yet?