Comments on: President Obama: “Thou Need Not Bow”

By: ReynsGems

ReynsGems — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:37:02 +0000

I totally agree with what you are saying there. I think two equal national leaders should greet each other equally. If Obama bows then the Japanese Emperor bows (or vice versa), then I guess they are bowing equally – although some may say the first to bow is the inferior.

Obviously there is a ton of ways to analyze this situation and is a direct result of 24/7 political news which often does not have anything better to gripe about.

I do not know a lot about Japanese culture but I assume bowing is as common as a handshake in America. Whether or not our President should greet the emperor in that matter is a whole other subject.

By: Mayonaze

Mayonaze — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:50 +0000

ReynsGems,
I understand what you’re saying. I just associate “bowing” with subserviency. I think “bowing” is generally a bad thing. Some say it’s just a gesture, but I would say it’s a gesture with meaning.

In 1936, at the Berlin Olympics, nations dipped, or bowed, their flag when they marched by the Fuhrer in the opening ceremony. The United States kept their flag erect. I expect my President to continue that tradition of bowing to no one.

By: ReynsGems

ReynsGems — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:06:02 +0000

A lot of Conservatives are having a field day over this photo and I can understand where they are coming from. The point is that Obama is about as politically correct as they come, and he constantly feels the need to respect and honor other cultures when visiting. It does not suprise me that the same guy who once sported a turban to honor Kenya culture would bow to a Japanese Emperor. I have mixed feelings on the subject, but I’m really surprised people are in shock and horror over the incident.