hands in your pockets - the new norm

When I was in the military, they wouldn't let us put our hands in our pockets, even when it was cold outside.
Unless you were putting something in there, or taking it out, your hands stayed out of there.

It goes back a long way, and the original reason is so others could tell you weren't about to draw a weapon on them.

It's right up there with lifting your visor, or removing your hat, as far as what others might describe as arbitrary.

I did it today though. I hopped out of the car, and it was cold and the wind was blowing.
Since I didn't have any gloves, I put my hands in my pockets until I got indoors.

I remember Obama got some flack for it a while back. I think he was in Korea, and shook hands with someone important while his other hand was in his pocket.
Now, a man of that status should know better IMHO.

It's kind of like knowing that in Spain you should never slide your business card across the table to someone, or you shouldn't try shaking hands with your left hand in Saudi Arabia.

Anyway, it seems that it's just something people do now, along with wearing a hat all the time, even in their own home.

I noticed Jay Leno was doing it, and now Jimmy Fallon does it, when addressing their audiences.
It's a no-no to put your hands in your pockets while you're addressing people.

That's what I've been taught at every course I've had that involved public speaking.

 

Actually, the folks in Korea cared quite a lot, and it made international news, when Obama did it.

Is it really necessary to take a snide swipe at me like that?

 

Here's something you can do.
When you see a topic with my name attached, you don't need to open it.

 

You need to open every thread I post?