# Playful Political Charts Christopher Niemann Modernizes the Classic Game of Rock, Paper, Scissors By Jaime Neely | Published 2011-08-28 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christopher-niemann References: [theworldsbestever](http://www.theworldsbestever.com/2011/08/25/rock-paper-scissors-for-our-representatives-in-washington/) & [niemann.blogs.nytimes](http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/rock-paper-scissors-2011-style/?ref=magazine) Christopher Niemann recently posted a [humorous series of images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soccerthemed-illustrations) illustrating a variety of new hand gestures to join 'rock,' 'paper' and 'scissors' in the [classic hand game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rock-paper-prizes-promotion). The new hand gestures were created to be used by politicians in Washington. Christopher Niemann created a series of hand series to complement the pressing issues facing America's leaders. Politicians can now clearly express themselves with hand gestures representing 'gold,' 'liar,' 'budget cuts' and 'treasury bonds.' While these hand gestures may not be that entertaining for children, they offer some much-needed comedic relief for those feeling anxious about the recession. **Implications** - Businesses that portray a humorous or entertaining image of themselves and their products will benefit by appealing to a wide audience. Consumers will perceive these qualities as highly approachable and will be more inclined to invest their trust and money in these types of businesses. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Humor](https://www.trendhunter.com/humor) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Humorous Hand Gestures:** There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating new humorous hand gestures that can be used in various contexts beyond the classic game of rock, paper, scissors. - **Comedic Relief:** There is a market for businesses that offer comedic relief and entertainment to help alleviate anxiety and stress in uncertain times. - **Approachable Branding:** Brands that portray a humorous and entertaining image of themselves can create a sense of approachability, attracting a wide audience and building consumer trust. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can explore new humorous hand gesture games or products that provide comedic relief, targeting audiences seeking entertainment and stress relief. - **Digital Marketing:** Incorporating humor and entertainment into digital marketing strategies can help businesses enhance their approachability and engage with a wider audience. - **Wellness:** Wellness businesses that offer comedic relief as part of their services, such as laughter therapy or comedy yoga, can attract consumers looking for stress relief and relaxation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheekily Creative Bookmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrated-bookmarks.md) - [Korean Game-Inspired Desk Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-desk-accessories.md) - [NYC-Inspired Structural Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-nyc.md) - [Inflation-Themed Lighters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moneylighter.md) - [Wombat-Themed Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handtohand-wombat.md) - [Satirical Political Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thoughts-prayers-toilet-paper.md) - [Playful Childhood-Inspired Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rock-paper-prizes-promotion.md) - [Miniature Elastic Paper-Turning Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercricco.md) - [Vote-Encouraging Coin Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electoral-coins.md)