Memphis Mayor Fist-Bumps the Dalai Lama
Buddhist Leader Takes the Gesture in Stride
Sep 22, 2009 Joanna Castle Miller
On Tuesday, September 22, beside the Mississippi River, the Dalai Lama tried to learn quickly as Memphis Mayor Pro Tem reached for his hand and formed it into a fist. He then played along as Lowery gave him a "fist-bump," and together he and Lowery made national news.
An Unusual Greeting for the Dalai Lama
While giving the Dalai Lama a fist-bump, Lowery said, "They say you've got a good sense of humor. I've always wanted to say, 'Hello, Dalai.' " Then, as their hands bumped, he explained, "It's 'the bump.' "
As the story spread around the city of Memphis via television, many viewers were embarrassed for their temporary mayor. But Lowery had been encouraged to welcome the Buddhist leader with some originality. According to Memphis' Eyewitness News, he was told to greet the Dalai Lama in a way that represents his own tradition. Lowery then brought up the hand motion and jokes and was told it would be fine.
The event took place downtown on the Mississippi Riverfront at Tom Lee Park. Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton was also present.
The Fist-Bump Again National NewsLowery's fist-bump might have been familiar to the Dalai Lama, as it became international news in 2008, when Barack and Michelle Obama gave each other the greeting as he received the official Democratic nomination for president.
In Western culture, the fist-bump has come to represent friendship, partnership, or respect. For that reason, opponents in martial arts fist-bump before a fight to acknowledge each other's skill. It is also used in sporting events and has been popularized in ice hockey and by NBA stars, including Michael Jordan. While the gesture does require a punch of sorts, it is considered rude to hit or jab at the other person's hand in a forceful way that could hurt or bruise.
The Dalai Lama laughed at the jokes and seemed at ease with the unusual handshake. He did mention that, internationally, smacking fists can be considered a sign of violence. But he accepted it in Memphis as a form of welcome, and continued with his visit by touring the National Civil Rights Museum.
Dalai Lama Visits Memphis
The Dalai Lama was visiting Memphis in order to receive the National Civil RIghts Museum's International Freedom Award on Wednesday at the Peabody Hotel. He is considered to be a very important and relevant visitor to Memphis because his promotion of peace and non-violence is so similar to that of Martin Luther King, Jr.
King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 at the sight of the since-established National Civil RIghts Museum.
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