Nonverbal Communication Analysis №3921: Kim Jong-un, North Korea, Alpha Status, and Clapping — Body Language and Emotional Intelligence (PHOTOS)
In public gatherings in North Korea, whenever one claps, they’re not only clapping for the DPRK — they are also applauding Kim Jong-un (or perhaps his father, Kim Jong-il and/or grandfather, Kim Il-sung). These events are, of course, highly choreographed.
From a nonverbal perspective, there is, relatively speaking, a direct correlation between the height of one’s hands while clapping — and the level of enthusiasm shown. This is nonverbal signal is observed cross-culturally and is nearly Universal.
Yet these images also show an additional layer of meaning — that of the relative alpha-beta status within hierarchical organizations/societies. The masses, who are all lower in the pecking-order, must hold their hands higher as a signal of respect, lest they suffer the consequences — while those individuals who are increasingly alpha are “allowed” to hold their hands lower.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis №3916: Marine Le Pen’s Anger and The French Election
Nonverbal Communication Analysis №3875: Children Interrupt Dad During BBC News interview
Nonverbal Communication Analysis №1010: Rashida Jones — What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?
Nonverbal Communication Analysis №3678: Donald Trump’s Trip to Mexico
This post and the associated website serve as reference sources for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts — not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.
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