A UK Uni Has Discouraged Clapping, Supports Spirit Fingers Instead

Clapping is out, spirit fingers are in.

At a university in the United Kingdom, clapping has been discouraged and replaced with jazz hands, also known as 'spirit fingers'.

The University of Manchester's Student Union had put forward the motion to their Senate to favour British Sign Language's (BSL) version of clapping over traditional clapping. They argued that traditional clapping could cause issues for students with sensory or anxiety disorders. 

The motion, which would not form a part of the university's by-laws, would be in effect at student union events, and the union stated they would "encourage student groups and societies to do the same, and to include BSL clapping as a part of inclusion training."

So, what is BSL clapping?

It is essentially the same movement as the performance move 'jazz hands', which sees palms facing forward, fingers spread apart and a side-to-side movement.

A lot of angry people are making waves on Twitter.

Ridiculous, I suffer with the worst form of anxiety, I would be anxious at no one clapping! Lol, it’s people trying to do good and not offend and by doing that they are not realising the hurt they cause.

— Tara Mary Moore (@Tara_Mary) October 2, 2018

But others chimed in to explain how this move would actually help 

My son has a sensory perception disorder which means all loud noises can set of anxiety or a melt down. Why should he have to miss out on receiving an award or miss out on an event because of his disabilities. Using silent clapping will help my son share in the same experiences

— Ladykarma (@Ladykarma19) October 2, 2018

Honestly, is it really such a big deal if you're encouraged not to clap in the name of inclusion?

Anyway, if you need to learn how to show off those glittering spirit fingers, please see this informative tutorial below.

Header Image: Universal Pictures