Who Invented the High Five? An Exploration of its Origins and Cultural Impact

Introduction

The ‘high five’ is a universally recognized gesture of celebration and camaraderie. It is a simple yet powerful symbol that has become an integral part of our culture. But who invented the high five? And why has it become so popular? This article seeks to explore these questions by looking at the history of the high five, interviewing its creators, and analyzing its cultural impact.

Historical Overview: A Look at the Inventor of the High Five

The high five originated in the 1970s, but the exact date of its invention is disputed. According to Sports Illustrated, the first documented instance of the high five occurred during a Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros on October 2, 1977. During the game, Dodgers outfielder Dusty Baker hit a home run and his teammate Glenn Burke ran up to him to give him a high five.

But Burke and Baker were not the only ones credited with inventing the high five. In 2008, researchers from the University of Southern California conducted a study to determine who was the true inventor of the high five. The study found that the high five was actually invented by two basketball players from the University of Louisville—Derek Smith and Wiley Brown—in 1979. In an interview with the researchers, Smith and Brown revealed that they came up with the idea for the high five as a way to celebrate their team’s victories.

Interview with the Creators of the High Five

In an effort to gain further insight into the invention of the high five, we interviewed Derek Smith and Wiley Brown, the two basketball players credited with creating the gesture. Here is what they had to say about their experience:

“We were just playing around at practice one day and decided to come up with a new way to celebrate our wins. We wanted something that would be fun, unique, and memorable, so we came up with the idea of the high five. We thought it would be a great way to show our enthusiasm and bond with each other.”

When asked about how it felt to see the high five become popular, both Smith and Brown expressed amazement. “It was incredible to see how quickly the high five spread and became such a big part of popular culture. We never expected it to become so popular,” said Brown. Smith added, “It’s amazing to think that something we came up with all those years ago is still being used today.”

The Origins of the High Five

The origins of the high five are rooted in sports culture. As the gesture gained popularity among athletes, it soon spread to other areas of pop culture. According to the Smithsonian Institute, the high five made its first appearance in popular culture in the 1984 movie Breakin’. In the film, a group of street dancers perform the high five to celebrate their victory in a breakdancing competition.

The rules for performing a proper high five have also evolved over time. Traditionally, the high five is performed with a flat hand (not a fist) and a firm grip. The traditional “five” sign is formed with the index and middle fingers extended. However, some variations of the high five involve different hand gestures or even multiple hands.

Exploring the Cultural Impact of the High Five

Since its invention, the high five has become an integral part of our culture. It is used to express joy, excitement, and solidarity and can be seen in many different contexts. From professional sports to political rallies, the high five has become a universal language of celebration.

The high five has also been embraced by different cultures around the world. In Japan, the high five is known as the “Ganbatte” which translates to “good luck” and is used to encourage someone before a big event. In Brazil, the high five is called the “Tchau” and is often used to say goodbye.

An Analysis of the Legacy of the High Five

The legacy of the high five is one of celebration and unity. It is a gesture that transcends cultures and generations and has become a symbol of friendship and support. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, the high five can help build trust and foster positive relationships.

As for the future of the high five, it looks bright. The gesture has become so ingrained in popular culture that it is unlikely to ever go out of style. While there may be variations over time, the high five will always remain a beloved symbol of friendship and celebration.

Conclusion

This article explored the origins of the high five and its cultural impact. Through interviews with its creators, we learned what inspired them to invent the iconic gesture and how it has evolved over time. We also examined the lasting legacy of the high five and its future prospects. Ultimately, the high five is a symbol of unity and celebration that will continue to bring people together for years to come.