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Display. An energetically marched or paraded version of the masculine stomp, in which the legs make sharp kicking movements from the hip, with the knees locked, as the soles and heels of military boots aggressively strike the ground.
History: The 1940s-era goose-step of Nazi soldiers was visible a half-century later when, e.g.,
North Korean soldiers marched on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party in
1995. A powerful, physical demonstration of negative human energy, the goose-step is a military
version of the reptilian high-stand display used to figuratively stomp an enemy to death.
After WWII, the goose-step was outlawed in West Germany, making it one of the few human gestures to
be officially banned by a state.
E-Commentary I: "Hello! I noticed on one of your pages that you stated "The Goose Step" as the only gesture to be outlawed by a state. Actually, in Germany as well, it is illegal to flip someone the middle finger or to give the nazi/angled arm salute. At least they were both illegal when I was there from 1992-1994 and could result in a 500DM fine. Thought you might like to know. -- Scott (2/19/03 10:48:00 AM Pacific Standard Time)
Military. To seem less aggressive, soldiers in every army of the world step off on the left foot when starting to march.
See also PALM-DOWN, REPTILIAN BRAIN.
Copyright © 1998 - 2005 (David B. Givens/Center for Nonverbal Studies)