from foxnews.com The Link

 

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia is still for lovers, but the state's tourism agency will eliminate images of people making heart symbols with their hands in its upcoming advertising campaign because the gesture is also used by a violent street gang.

 

The Virginia is for Lovers "Live Passionately" campaign will remove images of models making the hand gesture, one of several signs associated with the Gangster Disciples, Virginia Tourism Corp. officials said Friday. The gesture shows thumbs and index fingers formed into a heart.

 

 

 

 

In similar news, The American Red Cross has announced it's canceling their recent ad campaign.

 

 

 

(copyright PA 2007)

If you ever drive through the neighborhood I grew up in and people give you this sign, it's not cuz they love you, it's because they're Latin Kings:

 

http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/det...42/23114279.jpg

 

It's supposed to be a crown.

Gang signs are kind of funny. Do you think they hire a contortionist to come up with their signs, and all he does is sit around all day with the leader showing him signs? Then finally when one is chosen he spends the rest of his career showing the members how to do it effectivley? Kind of like the military and doing a proper salute? How many of these sign contortionists have goofed up and accidentally flashed a "middle finger" sign and found himself dead? Ah, the troubles of being a Freelance Gang Sign Symbol Contortionist. They need to start a Union. Poor guys.

Gang signs are kind of funny. Do you think they hire a contortionist to come up with their signs, and all he does is sit around all day with the leader showing him signs? Then finally when one is chosen he spends the rest of his career showing the members how to do it effectivley? Kind of like the military and doing a proper salute? How many of these sign contortionists have goofed up and accidentally flashed a "middle finger" sign and found himself dead? Ah, the troubles of being a Freelance Gang Sign Symbol Contortionist. They need to start a Union. Poor guys.

or maybe they should consult with some deaf people to find out which gesture looks the most intimidating.