Obama bows to Japanese Emperor?

[Lord of Hunger]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091116/pl_afp/japanusdiplomacyasiaobama

 

Yeah, I'm not particularly right-leaning (or left for that manner), but I have to say that this annoys me. Obama, as President, represents America, both country and citizenry. Symbolically, every American bowed to a foreign king (and a powerless figurehead on top of it). Democracy and freedom aside, we are a sovereign nation, not a vassal state. Moderating our tone towards other nations is fine, but this crosses the line.

 

Same holds for his bow to the Saudi King as well.

[Astor]

Symbolically, every American bowed to a foreign king (and a powerless figurehead on top of it).

 

Then what's the problem?

 

this crosses the line.[/Quote]

 

How so?

 

I can't help but think that too much is being read into what appears to be an extreme display of politeness.

[VarsityPuppet]

In reference to the article:

 

"I think it's a gesture of kindness," she told CNN, adding that the bow appeared intended to show "goodwill between two nations that respect each other."

 

I have to agree. I'm sure that there were many other undertones to the gesture and whatnot, but I can only speak for myself.. and if I were to bow to anyone, it would be out of a gesture of kindness only.

[jonathan7]

Bush and many other Presidents have bowed to the Queen on a state visits - there going to be a kick off about that?

 

I love the hypocritical over-reacting hyperbowl of some sections of the Republican party, I still think Obama, could solve third world debt, personally invent a cure to cancer and aids, and bring about Middle East Peace, and he'd still get slated by some sections of the American "Conservative" wing.

 

Edit Proof:

 

Bush bows to the Pope;

 

[Totenkopf]

I think the problem is often the manner in which his "kindnesses" are executed. IIRC, the degree to which you bow to another in Japan is a reflection of status. If he'd merely nodded his head (like Bush in your pic), at least he wouldn't look like a rank amatuer in the end. I think your observation about republicans and credit cuts both ways (and probably more if there were more than two dominant parties, as credit is often only grudgingly conceded in politics).

[Darth InSidious]

OH NO BROS, THE PRESIDENT SHOWED A MARK OF RESPECT TO A FOREIGN DIGNITARY OF HIGHER RANK THAN HIM

 

AMERKIN SOVEREIGNTY IS COMPROMISED FOREVER

 

OBAMA WAS THE ANTICHRIST AFTER ALL

 

DAMN YOU OBAMA AND YOUR UNKONSTITOOSHUNULL ANTICHRISTING

 

DAMN YOU

 

THE US HAS TO BOMB DAMASCUS NOW AS A SIGN YOU GUYS ARENT WEAK AND SOCIALIST

[mimartin]

Oh my, let’s get the impeachment proceeding going.

 

I used to think humility was a virtue. At least according to Wikipedia, it still is. Guess they have not gotten the memo as of yet. One of ya’ll take care of that please.

 

I see no big deal here, unless Obama got down on his knees and licked the Emperor’s feet I see no line crossed here.

[Totenkopf]

Oh my, let’s get the impeachment proceeding going.

 

I see no big deal here, unless Obama got down on his knees and licked the Emperor’s feet I see no line crossed here.

 

I'm sure there'll be grounds for impeachment for something more serious w/in the next 3 years.

 

I agree that it's no big deal, but just wish he'd try a little harder to not look like such a putz on the world stage.

[mimartin]

I agree that it's no big deal, but just wish he'd try a little harder to not look like such a putz on the world stage.

 

I actually don't think he looked like a “putz” to anyone, but Americans that have nothing better to do. To the rest of the world it looks like an American leader actually has humility. It looks as if we are not trying to force our will down other nations’ throats and that we are trying to be a part of the world community. To me the “putz” are the ones that want to dictate what other countries do. I don’t want them telling American what to do, so I can’t expect to be able to tell them what to do.

[jonathan7]

I agree that it's no big deal, but just wish he'd try a little harder to not look like such a putz on the world stage.

 

To be honest he was trying to be culturally sensitive in that bowing to in Japan, especially to the Emperor is highly ritualised and exaggerated. If that is appropriate or not for him to do, I shall not pass comment, but I do think whatever else he was trying to be respectful.

 

My general point was I don't think there is any big deal with it, and I'm sure future Republican Presidents, as well as past ones will bow to foreign dignatories. However I am getting very tired of all the drama queen's in the American right-wing press who pounce on small things like this. They could, you know, actually do some proper journalism

[Litofsky]

~Darathy~

 

Precisely, my fellow American lover: [5:51 PM] Darathy: AMERKUH IS A HOLY NATION SET APART BY GOD.

 

With all seriousness, I don't see what the big deal is. Unless my knowledge of this area is completely skewed, bowing is a sign of respect, and not subservience.

[Lord of Hunger]

OH NO BROS, THE PRESIDENT SHOWED A MARK OF RESPECT TO A FOREIGN DIGNITARY OF HIGHER RANK THAN HIM

 

AMERKIN SOVEREIGNTY IS COMPROMISED FOREVER

 

OBAMA WAS THE ANTICHRIST AFTER ALL

 

DAMN YOU OBAMA AND YOUR UNKONSTITOOSHUNULL ANTICHRISTING

 

DAMN YOU

 

THE US HAS TO BOMB DAMASCUS NOW AS A SIGN YOU GUYS ARENT WEAK AND SOCIALIST

Uh...what the hell? Am I somehow some sort of moron in your eyes because in this case I am being critical of Obama? Hell, I usually argue in his defense when discussing political issues with my friend.

 

And I fail to see how your post is productive for this discussion in the slightest.

Bush and many other Presidents have bowed to the Queen on a state visits - there going to be a kick off about that?

Wait...what?

 

Seriously, what the hell? I am genuinely ****ed off by this.

Bush bows to the Pope;

 

And this too. Hell, I'm partially Catholic, and this is just not right.

I love the hypocritical over-reacting hyperbowl of some sections of the Republican party, I still think Obama, could solve third world debt, personally invent a cure to cancer and aids, and bring about Middle East Peace, and he'd still get slated by some sections of the American "Conservative" wing.

The hypercriticism of Obama is not genuine on the highest levels, just as the hypercriticism of Bush is not genuine on the highest levels. Both are merely an irritating product of the two party system and has nothing to do with their actions.

 

I think both Presidents have had their mistakes, but not on the level people make it out.

Then what's the problem?

It's even worse because as a mere figurehead the Japanese Emperor does not hold powers worthy of significant respect from a true Head of State. In that regard, the Japanese Prime Minister is more worthy because he wields the power.

How so?

 

I can't help but think that too much is being read into what appears to be an extreme display of politeness.

There is a big difference between respect and reverence for a foreign leader. It just isn't right for the leader of our own country, no matter whether it is Bush or Obama, to revere a foreign leader. Bowing is a very powerful gesture, especially in Asian society.

[Totenkopf]

...

They could, you know, actually do some proper journalism

 

Hell, I think all journalists on both sides could stand for some of that.

 

I actually don't think he looked like a “putz” to anyone, but Americans that have nothing better to do. To the rest of the world it looks like an American leader actually has humility. It looks as if we are not trying to force our will down other nations’ throats and that we are trying to be a part of the world community. To me the “putz” are the ones that want to dictate what other countries do. I don’t want them telling American what to do, so I can’t expect to be able to tell them what to do.

 

Who.....like Vladamir Putzin?

[jrrtoken]

It's even worse because as a mere figurehead the Japanese Emperor does not hold powers worthy of significant respect from a true Head of State. In that regard, the Japanese Prime Minister is more worthy because he wields the power.

It's simply a multi-ethnic tradition to show respect to the monarch of a fellow ally state; it's been around for... ever, really. It might seem... silly and unnecessary these days, but respect is respect, regardless.

There is a big difference between respect and reverence for a foreign leader. It just isn't right for the leader of our own country, no matter whether it is Bush or Obama, to revere a foreign leader.

Explain how a simply curtsy or a bow represents total, unequivocal submission, in an almost masochistic master-slave relationship. It's sign of respect; nothing more, nothing less.

Bowing is a very powerful gesture, especially in Asian society.

Yes, yes, and if you'd also recall, bowing can also be as complimentary and submissive as a Western handshake. This isn't an even severe as a kowtow; it's as equivocal to a curtsy.

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

americans don't bow unless we're threatening a midget and we need to look it in the eyes

[Hallucination]

Symbolically, every American bowed to a foreign king (and a powerless figurehead on top of it)

So you would rather see him bow to someone who can actually do something politically?

 

Same holds for his bow to the Saudi King as well.

They're not really the same, seeing as the Saudi king can do something politically.

[mimartin]

I guess Obama could have done the Republican alternative to bowing and threw up on the Emperor.

[lockhead]

I don't want to come across as snarky or anything, but who cares? So Obama showed respect to the leader of another nation? So what? That would make him better than a president who doesn't, not worse. And I know from karate that respect in bowing is a very big deal. Good on him I say for trying to be honorable.

[CommanderQ]

Hmmm....this is really interesting. This is obviously Obama trying to improve foreign relations by showing humility....but I would think this a bit too much humility. There is a such thing as being humble without sacrificing one's position or rank.

 

Bowing that low in Japan is often only done from a subordinate to a superior, the subordinate's bow always deeper then the superior's. So for Obama to bow this low...I guess the reason this disturbs the American public is more that it seems like Obama is submitting to another countries' leader, and I cannot recall any of our Presidents doing that before. From what I know, the President's who have tried to show humility have never submitted, but showed their authority and power in a peaceful way. In the end, that often brings about mutual respect.

 

It might just be our American pride speaking, but the US has almost always been a country that would look Kings and Emperors in the eye, not bow before them. Heh, that's one of the reasons for the Revolution and breaking off of the British Empire {other then the taxes of course }

[Darth Avlectus]

Well, I'd say a nod or nodding bow of equal stature to the emperor would be less intrusive or subserviant-ish, more subtle and communicate just as much.

 

Still, the depth of the bow indicates rank and subservience. From a tactical psychological viewpoint it only shows he is unaccustomed to formalities. Possibly those with aggressive militant mindsets will view him as weak for it.

 

However, I don't think this should harm much of anything. So long as he isn't kneeling or heave-bowing on both knees...well, I guess it could be worse.

 

Uh...what the hell? Am I somehow some sort of moron in your eyes because in this case I am being critical of Obama? Hell, I usually argue in his defense when discussing political issues with my friend.

 

And I fail to see how your post is productive for this discussion in the slightest.

 

Meh, it's just DI's rhetoric. He isn't so bad (or so I hear) in the help dept. when it comes to modding. Otherwise...best just to ignore him if he is a bother.

 

The hypercriticism of Obama is not genuine on the highest levels, just as the hypercriticism of Bush is not genuine on the highest levels. Both are merely an irritating product of the two party system and has nothing to do with their actions.

 

I believe there is a saying: "You could be Albert ****ing Einstein, but when you start your lectures or letters with 'dear idiot' you close the ears of your prospective audience forever onward after that." --some professor describing the negative effect about using ad-hominem fallacy.

 

Unfortunately, that little reality notwithstanding, people will be judged by both their associations *and* their actions. Not saying it's right but it is reality.

 

I think both Presidents have had their mistakes, but not on the level people make it out.

 

That they *have* made those mistakes, but people with their freedom of thought and speech are going to make of it whatever they want to. Hyperbole and blowing it out of proportion are the inevitable side effects.

 

There is a big difference between respect and reverence for a foreign leader. It just isn't right for the leader of our own country, no matter whether it is Bush or Obama, to revere a foreign leader. Bowing is a very powerful gesture, especially in Asian society.

 

As a Kendo/Iaido student I can support this claim. In fact, if you do not stand at attention and show proper respect when a Hanshi enters, you are insulting him, your dojo, all those from visiting dojos, and the very sake of Kendo itself.

 

However, were it the Emperor visiting the U.S., the Emperor would likely bow to the president all the same. Not as deeply, but still, a bow. Just saying.

 

Hmmm....this is really interesting. This is obviously Obama trying to improve foreign relations by showing humility....but I would think this a bit too much humility. There is a such thing as being humble without sacrificing one's position or rank.

 

True enough.

 

Bowing that low in Japan is often only done from a subordinate to a superior, the subordinate's bow always deeper then the superior's.

Thank you fellow student of the sword.

So for Obama to bow this low...I guess the reason this disturbs the American public is more that it seems like Obama is submitting to another countries' leader, and I cannot recall any of our Presidents doing that before. From what I know, the President's who have tried to show humility have never submitted, but showed their authority and power in a peaceful way. In the end, that often brings about mutual respect.

 

And I reiterate that a nod, or perhaps 'nodding bow' would have sufficed.

 

It might just be our American pride speaking, but the US has almost always been a country that would look Kings and Emperors in the eye, not bow before them. Heh, that's one of the reasons for the Revolution and breaking off of the British Empire {other then the taxes of course }

 

Why how dare USA not be subservient! None shall stand for such insultery! ...

[Web Rider]

The Emperor bowed to Obama, so Obama bowed in return. To not do so would be the same as if a foreign dignitary extended their hand in greeting, and Obama did not accept it.

 

Perhaps Obama was confused on which bow to use, perhaps, not being in the habit of doing so, he dipped a little too deeply. In my opinion, it is always better to show MORE respect, than less. Really, I have no doubt that Obama's opposition would have slammed him for not showing enough respect, as much as they have for apparently showing too much.

 

In any case, the Emperor has no power, so any gesture Obama makes to him is irrelevant. He doesn't control his own country let alone America. Short story: it doesn't matter, and nobody should care.

[Darth Avlectus]

Maybe his opposition mainstream, or fringes but frankly the "loaded gun" is used by both sides and cuts (or shoots) both ways. Not *all* of his opposition is so petty.

 

I will go with confusion on the specifics. For all my Kendo formalities, I have been admittedly a little sloppy when it comes to SCA. Nothing the region "Queen" has scathed me for--though it gets ridicule from elder "Sirs" as does the fact I'm not a euro sword 'purist'.

 

If no real harm is ultimately done I have a hard time saying too much about it. Besides, there's always 'next time'.

[El Sitherino]

Learn about world culture OP.

 

This thread sucks.

[Ten-96]

Learn about world culture OP.

 

This thread sucks.

 

From your sig:

“When we come into contact with the other person, our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if that person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We practice in this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable.”

 

In my opinion, the OP didn't like seeing the President of the United States bow to someone. I concur. That is my opinion. I'm not a citizen of the world. I'm a citizen of the United States. I am fiercely loyal to my nation and would defend it with my last breath if needed. Again, just my opinion on the whole bowing thing. I don't expect (nor should I) that everyone would be in agreement with my opinion.

[El Sitherino]

In my opinion, the OP didn't like seeing the President of the United States bow to someone. I concur. That is my opinion. I'm not a citizen of the world. I'm a citizen of the United States. I am fiercely loyal to my nation and would defend it with my last breath if needed. Again, just my opinion on the whole bowing thing. I don't expect (nor should I) that everyone would be in agreement with my opinion.

 

Thanks for quoting my signature, however it was in no way relevant.

 

As for your argument about being a citizen of the United States, that's fine, so am I. However as the President is our figurehead to speak with other foreign officials he is required by his job to adhere to cultural standards of respect. Should the British Prime Minister not shake our Presidents hand because as a proper British gentlemen he shouldn't touch the hand of a miscreant.

 

The point I'm attempting to make is that bowing in Japan is like waving hello, there's no point in going to talk to someone if you aren't going to talk. You don't ignore your friends after all. Or perhaps another proverb, "You don't **** in another man's kitchen"