Some cultures consider certain body parts or gestures offensive. For example, in the United States it is rude to point with the middle finger. In the Middle East it is rude to point with the index finger. In some cultures it is rude to extend a thumb. For this reason, flight attendants point with an index finger and middle finger together. Some cultures consider the sole of a shoe, an elbow, or even the palm of the hand offensive.

Considering the number of countries, villages, and neighborhoods in the world, each with its own social etiquette, it is safer to avoid these images altogether.