As Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama stepped up to the podium on Tuesday, he was greeted by his wife, Michelle, with a hug, a kiss, and a little "dap.
" The media is having a field day with this, just as I expected they would when I viewed it.
In case, you don't know what "dap" is, I think the Baltimore Sun best describes it as, "a bare-knuckles kiss.
" Other definitions of dap are: Dap: The knocking of fists together as a greeting, or form of respect.
"He gave me a dap when we greeted.
" dap: a fist-on-fist greeting, front-to-front as if each person is punching each other on the hand.
"He gave me a dap when we greeted.
" HISTORY OF "DAP" The Dap includes simple to very intricate series of rhythmic hand slaps, clasps, hand and arm gestures exchanged between two persons as a sign of personal greeting, respect and group solidarity.
Has origin in greetings developed and practiced by members of Black Power organizations founded in southern California in the early 1970s and then became common place and outlawed practice among African-American draftees and soldiers stateside and abroad during the latter years of the Vietnam War.
Was soon adopted by huge duck bill cap, suspenders and knicker attired African-American street and club dancers who originated the dance known as "Lock-stepping.
" Best known Lock Stepper is Fred Barry aka Rerun from the hit 1970s black TV sitcom, "What's Happenin'?" simplest of Daps is to tap closed fists together one time horizontally or vertically.
This represents a sign of support, respect, greeting or saying goodbye.
While this, now controversial gesture is associated with black athletes and/or minorities, it is not a gesture only used by them.
I don't see what the big deal is; after all, the Obama's are African American, aren't they? This isn't something new; it's not like the first astronaut to walk in space, it's what black people do.
It's a sign of respect and support.
The question is not what is it; the question is was it appropriate? As we all know when you are in the spotlight, as the Obama's are, any and everything you do will be monitored and analyzed with a microscope-that's just the way it is.
But how is this any different from bowing down to address the Pope? Or what about how the Chinese greet each other? No, I'm not comparing Senator Obama to the Pope, I am simply stating that this is not some innovative creation by the Obama's to just hit the scenes.
People have been doing it for years and contrary to many beliefs, people of all colors give dap to each other.
While the handshake is the traditional way of greeting, Obama is not traditional.
He brings a new flavor, a new style, and a uniqueness to the Presidential race.
I say he brings a refreshing and long needed change, like a cold glass of water on a hot day.
If you look beyond the Obama's giving each other "dap" you will see that Michelle is showing her husband respect and love-it's written all over her face.
Whether you give a handshake, a hug, a kiss on the cheek, bow your head, or kneel down on one knee, it really doesn't matter as long as the recipient knows the meaning behind your gesture.