raised fist
Unicode: 270A
Description
A raised fist, typically clenching and facing toward the right, indicating power, solidarity, or protest.
Group:
People & Body > hand-fingers-closed
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Represents strength, power, resistance, solidarity, protest, and sometimes defiance or victory.
Backstory
The raised fist has a long history as a symbol of solidarity and resistance, dating back to ancient Assyria and used prominently in various social and political movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was included in Unicode 6.0 (2010), digitalizing a powerful and widely understood gesture.
Usage Examples
- Showing support for a cause: 'Stand up for what you believe in! ✊'
- Expressing solidarity: 'We are in this together! ✊'
- Indicating determination: 'Ready to tackle this challenge! ✊'
- Celebrating a small victory: 'Finally got it done! ✊'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Widely recognized as a symbol of protest, especially in social and political movements (e.g., Black Power, workers' rights). Also used to express agreement or 'power to the people'.
East Asian culture:
Can also symbolize determination, encouragement, or fighting spirit. Less commonly associated with protest in some contexts, but still understood as a symbol of strength.