I think it's wise for sign language to evolve, because apparently there are a few outdated signs deaf people were using that could get them BEAT UP.
--The council that regulates sign language in England is getting rid of four different signs that are clearly TOO OFFENSIVE for the modern world . . .
--Chinese. The sign for a Chinese person used to be pulling your eyes to make them SLANTED. Now they've changed it to swiping across the chest then down, which they say is the shape of a traditional Mao jacket. (--Like the one Mao TSE-TUNG wore.)
--Gay. The sign used to be a LIMP WRIST. The sign now is to pinch the chin and pull the hand down twice. (--CAREFUL: Which we hope isn't a teabagging reference.)
--Jewish. The sign used to be making a HOOK NOSE. Now it's gesturing like you have an imaginary long beard. (--Is that really better?)
--Indian. The sign was pointing at the forehead like there's a DOT there. Now it's making a triangle shape that resembles the shape of India.
--American Sign Language has phased out symbols that could be taken as offensive too . . . but they got on that years, and in some cases decades, ago. So the British are now catching up.
