Oh, how lovely...

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Can't we just go back to the days when the President would puke on foreign dignitaries instead of bowing to 'em??

Perhaps, instead, Mr. Obama ought to curtsy. Why not?

Maybe he's saving that move for the Chinese, since they pwn the US.

[Skinsfan55]

God forbid we actually show some RESPECT for world leaders rather than coming at them with a "our way or the highway" approach.

[Cappster]

God forbid we actually show some RESPECT for world leaders rather than coming at them with a "our way or the highway" approach.

I couldn't agree more. We are visiting them in their Country so we should show respect to their traditions. If they come here, they should do the same. We don't need a "cowboy mentality," because isn't that what everyone hated when Bush was in office? I see nothing wrong with the picture. It only looks funny because Obama dwarfs the little man he is bowing to.

[VetSkinsFan]

I concur. The more allies we make, the less world police we have to perform...and I'm tired of wearing the "World Marshall" badge.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I know, I'm always the first out to defend the terrorist in chief in the white house, but yes I have to do it again.

Sure I'd follow Japanese customs and bow as long as mutual courtesy is recognized. I hit these situations all the time when I was in management consulting and traveling. By mutual courtesy, I mean that they are also learning our customs and if it's all done in a mutual respect way then it is definitely the thing to do.

The only time I would not do it is if the particular diplomat is demanding respect without returning it. Having dealt with the Japanese it is rare they are not extremely respectful in these situations. Bowing is to the Japanese not a sign of subservience, it is done in mutual respect. Using our interpretation of bowing and other acts of respect in a culture filled with acts of respect is typical American international arrogance and so counter productive to everything we want to achieve.

[Irn-Bru]

I would have bowed.

[TeeterSalad]

In China: Yes
In America: No, a look in the eye and a firm handshake will do.

[Countertrey]

Matthew Perry did not bow.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

This guy said ALWAYS LOOK EYE!!!



Clearly, Obama is ready to get pwned in that picture.

[Redskin in Canada]

In China: Yes
In America: No, a look in the eye and a firm handshake will do.

China ???

Hey bro ... hate to intrude here but this salutation would be as akward in China as it might be in Europe. This is the JAPANESE Emperor and his wife.

The US reinforced its friendship with quite a few million Japanese people with that gesture alone.

[Countertrey]

In China: Yes
In America: No, a look in the eye and a firm handshake will do.

China ???

Hey bro ... hate to intrude here but this salutation would be as akward in China as it might be in Europe. This is the JAPANESE Emperor and his wife.

The US reinforced its friendship with quite a few million Japanese people with that gesture alone.

RiC, you had the benefit of an education in Canada. Americans aren't so lucky. The pathetic weakness of our schools in teaching geography and it's miriad cultural implications is reknowned the world over, I am embarassed to say. Our schools prefer to spend their time re-interpreting history and providing social justice, than teaching.

You may notice that the Mikado is in western dress, a clear indication that he intended to observe western greeting protocols...

Beyond that, I have read that many Japanese were embarrassed by the oafish gesture. It was awkward and contrived, and was received as would be the amaturish attempt (by a civilian) of a military hand salute by a soldier (I'm certain you can understand that)... Many Japanese are wondering "what was he thinking?"

[VetSkinsFan]

This guy said ALWAYS LOOK EYE!!!



Clearly, Obama is ready to get pwned in that picture.

In what little I've learned, bowing without looking in the eye is dsiplay of trust, at least that's what I learned when I took tae kwan do many moons ago. You bow and watch your opponent (not looking down) is different. In the Miyagi reference, he couldn't trust those SoBs in Karate Kid. That's why he said never look down.

[KazooSkinsFan]

Beyond that, I have read that many Japanese were embarrassed by the oafish gesture. It was awkward and contrived, and was received as would be the amaturish attempt (by a civilian) of a military hand salute by a soldier (I'm certain you can understand that)... Many Japanese are wondering "what was he thinking?"

In the business world we actually get training and manuals on each country we are to visit with specific instructions on everything you can imagine from interpersonal interactions to tips and US law which of course covers behavior in other countries, our wonderful arrogant government. I've attended training in the US and went to a week long seminar in Amsterdam in the Netherlands in an institute that specializes in training business people to interact with foreign business people across the world and covering whether they are visiting you or you visiting them, there are differences.

Dude, we're greedy, arrogant capitalists and you're trying to tell us that a well intentioned, liberal politician acted how he thought he was supposed to act based on stereotypes instead of having a protocol aide stand by his side and instruct him on appropriate and proper respect? That's not possible, sorry. Nice try but peddle your capitalist dogma somewhere else. I'm just saying...

[langleyparkjoe]

God forbid we actually show some RESPECT for world leaders rather than coming at them with a "our way or the highway" approach.

Agreed SF55

[langleyparkjoe]

This guy said ALWAYS LOOK EYE!!!



Clearly, Obama is ready to get pwned in that picture.

In what little I've learned, bowing without looking in the eye is dsiplay of trust, at least that's what I learned when I took tae kwan do many moons ago. You bow and watch your opponent (not looking down) is different. In the Miyagi reference, he couldn't trust those SoBs in Karate Kid. That's why he said never look down.

Hey Vet.. imagine if Obama adjusted his suit like we did our Gees'.. boy oh boy that would've been horrible.. fight for sure

[TeeterSalad]

In China: Yes
In America: No, a look in the eye and a firm handshake will do.

China ???

Hey bro ... hate to intrude here but this salutation would be as akward in China as it might be in Europe. This is the JAPANESE Emperor and his wife.

The US reinforced its friendship with quite a few million Japanese people with that gesture alone.

I guess its a good thing I am not a frequent visitor, if I ever do go, I'll make sure and study up on acceptable greetings...Sometimes an ignorant American hillbilly gets on my account and types before thinking.