Whats the deal with the long handshakes? My family is from the American South and in our family a handshake is usaully firm and quick. In the Northeastern United States we have a lot of different Black Culures. I notice when I am introduced to various groups from Africa and the Caribbean and I shake hands that some tend to hold on a little too long for my comfort. What is the story behind the long handshake? Blacknet seems to have a diverse bunch here can I get some explanations?

I noticed a few other variations...

Older African men shake hands slowly or shortly and firmly depending entirely on where they are from. There are many different ways in Africa itself. Some people hug with a clap on the back, others grip each others forearms while shaking hands too.All sorts. You get some mad twisty handshakes too lol

Soley in London I noted thisdifference...

Younger African men shake hands with an added twist and a finger snap (or different combinations lol).

Carribean younger men bump fists, actually most black men in UK do this but Im going by the origins.



I kinda like the differences as it lets me know a lil something about who Im meeting!

I prefer the fist bump-and although not very feminine-is way more hygenic and is the way forward I believe.The hands are the nastiest things on your body and I know where mine have been but I damn well cant be sure of anyone elses.

So the only time I shake hands is at job interviews, otherwise I just offer them the fist and if its Whitey and they are not hip to it they soon learn.

@DM,

LOL, I had one guy Grab my forearm and wasn't sure should I giv him a knee thrust or give him a Samoan Drop. It was Odd. The handshake and finger snap is pretty popular over here as well. We give each other Pounds (The fist bumps) too. This would make an interesting Documentary film subject.

I just couldn't get with that finger snap at the end.

It always seemed kind of gay to me.

I'd think of 'Twan and that other fool from In Living Color who used to playthe 2 sissies in Men on Film.

Remember how they used to give 2 thumbs up and a finger snap to a film they liked?




Most Muslims shake your hand by grasping over it with the second hand as they firmly shake it with the first.

I kinda like that type of handshake.


When you meet an old homie you haven't seen in a while yall grab hands, ball up your mouths, and do a quick "shoulder bumping" hug.

blkafro......Right~Right