The controversial raised fist

                                        

        

PSOE has often been criticized by the opponents because of their habit of raising their fists as a group at the end of their pre-elections speeches (Público, 2009), considering it a fascist symbol. Looking at researches and other representations of the gestures, you end up admitting that it has a very ambiguous meaning, being used at times as a symbol of defiance and anger against injustice, as a symbol of power or a symbol of excitement (Givens, 2002). Is that why PSOE reviewed their symbol?

 References: 

• Givens, D. (2002) The nonverbal dictionnay of gestures, signs & body language cues. Center of Nonverbal Studies Press (Washington)
• Coulson, M.  (2004). "Attributing Emotion to Static Body Postures: Recognition Accuracy, Confusions, and Viewpoint Dependence". Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 88(2), pages 117-139
• Público. El PP califica el puño en alto como "puñetazo", "totalitario" y "amenaza". Público. [online]. September 8th, 2009. (Consulted on May 2nd, 2014), available on <http://www.publico.es/espana/249831/el-pp-califica-el-puno-en-alto-como-punetazo-totalitario-y-amenaza>
•  Picture 1: EFE. 2009. Pajín y Aído, con el puño en alto junto a Zapatero. [photograph]. Retrieved from <http://www.publico.es/espana/249831/el-pp-califica-el-puno-en-alto-como-punetazo-totalitario-y-amenaza>
•  Picture 2: EFE, 2003. Fariñas, recogiendo el premio [photograph]. Retrieved from <http://www.libertaddigital.com/internacional/europa/2013-07-03/farinas-este-puno-en-alto-significa-la-esperanza-que-de-que-habra-democracia-en-cuba-1276494389/>