When did the middle finger become offensive?

[DigitalBuddha]

When did the middle finger become offensive?

'A phallic gesture'

Ancient Greek philosophers, Latin poets hoping to sell copies of their works, soldiers, athletes and pop stars, school children, peevish policemen and skittish network executives have all been aware of the gesture's particular power to insult and enflame.

"It's one of the most ancient insult gestures known," says anthropologist Desmond Morris. 



Fuck it, dudes - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16916263

[BikerDude]

You know as a side note I'd just like to say that the most perfectly executed middle finger salute that I've seen is the famous Lynyrd Skynyrd album picture.
I mean in terms of form it's unequaled.
A perfectly rendered hand phallus complete with nuts and all.
You can tell that they practiced to get that good at flipping it on demand. POW!
A bit tough to see in the small pic but on the old album (for all you younguns vinyl) it's easy to see.

[hannahdude]

when i was a kid my great uncle lived in north hollywood and had a house full of amazing art pieces and musical instruments etc he had picked up on his travels. one thing he had was this 5 foot high carved hand giving the 'middle finger'.
i know he would not have brought this home unless its symbolism was more begign and communicated more than an offensive message. but of course, i was six so what did i know. he was a gentle dude though, and not much sense of humor so he would have dragged it back from some distant land for kicks.

[DigitalBuddha]

You know as a side note I'd just like to say that the most perfectly executed middle finger salute that I've seen is the famous Lynyrd Skynyrd album picture.
I mean in terms of form it's unequaled.
A perfectly rendered hand phallus complete with nuts and all.
You can tell that they practiced to get that good at flipping it on demand. POW!
A bit tough to see in the small pic but on the old album (for all you younguns vinyl) it's easy to see.

Classic LS live, it doesn't get any sweeter!............

Sweet Home Alabama -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHsDa9_HSlA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=GcsROMfxNyY