Kléber
26th January 2010, 23:10
I would like to learn more about this variant on the raised fist salute. It is similar to the traditional raised fist (generally defined by the fist being held upright with the arm at a 90 degree angle). But in this one, the angle is 45 degrees; the fist is brought to the temple like a traditional military salute. This gesture appears to have its origins in the Comintern in the 1930's. It is most famously associated with Republican Spain, where it was the official salute of the People's Army from its establishment in 1936 until it was replaced by regular saluting in early 1937, although I believe it remained the official salute of the Popular Front parties. From old movies I know it was also used by the Yugoslav partisans during WWII.
Recently I saw a YouTube video where it appears to be an official salute of the Chinese Communist Party, even though the PLA does regular salutes, so I imagine it dates back to the 30's and I seem to remember the Reds doing it in Jin Xie's The Red Detachment of Women. It is also still used by Indian Maoist rebels apparently. I have heard it called "the popular front salute" in a book about the Spanish Civil War. It is commonly called the "raised fist salute."
There are many mean things you could say about the salute and how it symbolizes the stupidity or hypocrisy of the Popular Front. I believe the salute was parodied in Monty Python's The Life of Brian with the "Popular Front of Judea." I think it's kind of cool though. I would be interested to know more about this, how it started, if it has its origins in some official Comintern decree, if it has an official name, if there's been anything scholarly written about it. Thanks :)
http://www.famsf.org/imagebase2-200/300820071623/images/3008200716230023.jpghttp://www.politicalfriendster.com/images/2042.jpg
http://indianvanguard.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/wooing-people-to-the-maoist-fold-173.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2kRH9-UazY
I would also be interested to hear of any other variants of the raised fist salute that people know about; the only other one, to my knowledge, is the "Black power salute" which is traditionally done with the arm completely outstretched, no bend at the elbow, although this distinction is not widely known and many Americans will mistake the normal raised fist for a "Black power salute" if not a "Sieg heil."
Also, a question for Maoists or students of Chinese history, did the PLA used to use this salute too? Before it was depoliticized, that is? thanks.
Recently I saw a YouTube video where it appears to be an official salute of the Chinese Communist Party, even though the PLA does regular salutes, so I imagine it dates back to the 30's and I seem to remember the Reds doing it in Jin Xie's The Red Detachment of Women. It is also still used by Indian Maoist rebels apparently. I have heard it called "the popular front salute" in a book about the Spanish Civil War. It is commonly called the "raised fist salute."
There are many mean things you could say about the salute and how it symbolizes the stupidity or hypocrisy of the Popular Front. I believe the salute was parodied in Monty Python's The Life of Brian with the "Popular Front of Judea." I think it's kind of cool though. I would be interested to know more about this, how it started, if it has its origins in some official Comintern decree, if it has an official name, if there's been anything scholarly written about it. Thanks :)
http://www.famsf.org/imagebase2-200/300820071623/images/3008200716230023.jpghttp://www.politicalfriendster.com/images/2042.jpg
http://indianvanguard.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/wooing-people-to-the-maoist-fold-173.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2kRH9-UazY
I would also be interested to hear of any other variants of the raised fist salute that people know about; the only other one, to my knowledge, is the "Black power salute" which is traditionally done with the arm completely outstretched, no bend at the elbow, although this distinction is not widely known and many Americans will mistake the normal raised fist for a "Black power salute" if not a "Sieg heil."
Also, a question for Maoists or students of Chinese history, did the PLA used to use this salute too? Before it was depoliticized, that is? thanks.