Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s critics channel The Hunger Games in defiance
Used by the lead character Katniss Everdeen in the film series, the salute is a symbol of resistance in a dystopian future where youths are forced to engage in fight-to-the-death combat
Critics of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have adopted the three-finger salute from the hit Hunger Games films as a sign of resistance against his rule and drug war killings.
The sign is in contrast to Duterte’s own iconic gesture, a clenched fist raised at or above eye level that is immensely popular with his support but which opponents have likened to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s hand salute.
Opposition lawmakers and other members of a new anti-Duterte coalition performed the Hunger Games salute in unison on Monday while announcing protests on Thursday against what they said was his “path filled with violence, contempt for law and hate”.
“Yes, we adopted the three-finger salute to signify resistance, same as that of the Hunger Games trilogy,” House of Representatives member Gary Alejano said.
“It resonates with many young people,” said Emman Hizon, chief of staff of opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros, another of those who made the three-fingered salute.
Used by the lead character Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games series, the salute is a symbol of resistance in a dystopian future where youths are forced to engage in annual fight-to-the-death combat.