1960s Guy Remembers The Power Of This Sign

This is a short clip from one of my shows from my six part television series, Making Sense of the Sixties. To see more clips from the series, search the words "making sense of" on my YouTube channel. You will find many interesting perspectives from individual American citizens.

The two-fingered "V" sign has a long and varied history, particularly in its use as both a symbol of victory and peace.

The gesture became widely recognized as a symbol of victory during World War II. It was popularized by Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, who used it frequently as a morale booster during the war. Initially, Churchill used the sign with the palm facing inward; however, he soon learned that in British culture, this was an offensive gesture (akin to the middle finger in the US). He then adapted it to use with the palm facing outward, symbolizing victory.

In the 1960s, the sign took on an additional meaning in the United States and other parts of the world. It was adopted by the counterculture movement, particularly those who were advocating for peace and protesting against the Vietnam War. The gesture was used in much the same way, with the palm outward, but it came to symbolize peace and hope rather than military victory. The sign was often accompanied by the saying "peace," adding to its new identity as a sign of peace.

Thus, the "V" sign evolved from a symbol of military success to one of peaceful protest and hope, reflecting the cultural shifts of the mid-20th century. It remains a powerful symbol used to express unity, peace, and victory across different contexts globally.