Is This the First Photograph of a Man Giving the Middle Finger Ever?

Flicking you off since 1886.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Giving the middle finger to someone seems to carry the same meaning now as it did back in 1886. This team photograph of the Boston Beaneaters is the earliest known image of someone giving the finger in a picture. In the top row on the left, you will find pitcher Charles Radbourn with his middle finger held up for the shot. The photo was taken at a game against the New York Giants, presumably the intended recipient of Radbourn's finger gesture. Although the pitcher's athletic career was also impressive, this image of him also demands much celebrating.

[via PetaPixel]

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