Occasionally in American pop culture something comes along and permeates almost all cross sections of life. The fist bump is one such example. From professional athletes to the school yard to even the white house the fist bump is well known and well used – and even well loved.
The fist bump works well because it says more than just one thing. Its meaning ranges from “way to go” to “that’s right” to “I feel ya” to camaraderie to simple respect. It encourages, it congratulates, it joins solidarity, it promotes brotherhood – it’s a simple gesture that says “I’m with ya.” So when someone sticks out their fist and says “bump ’em” all these things are said in that one simple move.
There is another use of the phrase “bump ’em” that carries a different meaning. Without the fist bump ’em can mean “forget them,” “don’t worry about them,” “don’t listen to them.” In cases like these there is no solidarity but rather a distancing of oneself from another. If you have an idea and you share that idea with someone who tells you it can’t be done, you’re not good enough, you can’t do it – bump ’em. That person isn’t there to help you out with useful advice but could be the negativity that keeps you down and keeps you from your goal. In those cases bump ’em.
There is one thing to keep in mind when bumping – not all fist bumps are good and not all criticisms are bad. Some people will fist bump you for doing not so good things. As Lecrae says in his song Like You “They say I’m good at bad things at least they proud of me.” Those are the fist bumps you need to say “bump ’em” to. And conversely not everyone who challenges your dreams are negative. I am a great example of that. I am known by close friends and family as a big dreamer but who rarely follows through with the dreams. They challenge me on that whenever I tell them about another idea I have. They critique not to be negative but to encourage. Those are the criticisms we need to fist bump.
When you’re out there getting to it don’t let the negative people dissuade you, rather surround yourself with those who will encourage you. Whether they’re the negative, jealous person who wants to keep you down or the person who wants to join in solidarity with you bump ’em.
Attempt it. Chance it. Try it. Get to It!