On President Obama’s Bow to the Japanese Emperor, An Academic Friend Writes That Both the Left and the Right Are Wrong

OK, so, it’s not a sign of cultural understanding, but it is inappropriate. That explanation just lends itself to more questions.

Just a hunch but I think Obama wants America to be as weak and submissive as he is.
There is very little that Obama does or says to show that he is proud of our country.

Embarrassing
Jimmy Carter has to be relieved.

Jake Tapper’s commentary is juvenille and stupid. Too much snark for a dignified journalist on a major network. Maybe he should apply to replace that sick person on Fox News. Both Jake and that other person are beginning to talk and write the same way.

he will not start any wars bowing like that

Emperor Akihito did not return the bow because he bows to no one.
That’s a hint Barry.
Wonder if he bowed to China since they own us now.

In the picture of Nixon, both men are slightly bowing to each other. In the one with Obama, the only one bowing is Obama.
I want to know who is making Obama do these bows? Gibbs went so far as to deny he bowed to King of Saudi. Why on earth would he do it again?
There are 46 different pictures of heads of state meeting this same emperor. None of them bowed.
Obama’s a fool.

He is only doing this because he was caught bowing to the Saudi King as is Muslin custom.
Hopefully he will beg that China doesn’t not call in their loans since they now own us with all his wasteful spending.
This is as bad as when his wife TOUCHED the Queen of England, severe lack of education and protocol.

A tall man bowing to a short one has to decide whether to loom over his smaller companion or try to be polite. Obama chose polite. Face it: If he resurrected Mother Teresa, the right-wingers would find something to squeal about.

I simply do not care.

===Posted by: LadyintheDark | Nov 15, 2009 3:55:32 PM===
Really? It is just the right wing that thinks POTUS bowing is a faux pas? Google Clinton, New York Times and Emperor. See what you get.
I am so sick of everyone making excuses for Obama. If there is nothing wrong with an American President bowing to a king or head of state, why would Gibbs lie about Obama’s bow to the Saudi king?
Obama is not an individual visiting a foreign dignitary. He is the representative of the United States.

Obama would even bow to Elvis.

LOL – who’d have ever imagined Conservatives would suddenly become such religious sticklers for strict protocol. Remeber when GW Bush massaged German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s back at a G-8 summit?
She was clearly mortified, but hey, with Cowboy Diplomacy it’s more important to strut and intimidate.

Obama just wanted the Emperor to check out his incipient bald spot.

If he had bowed properly, it would not have been a bad thing. In Japan, bowing is done rather than handshakes but the half handshake/half bow just looks so awkward. The proper bow would have been with his hands at his side, inclining from the waist with his back straight. He would not have to make such a deep bow, but a slight bend would have been enough to show respect for the Emperor since Obama is not a subject.
Someone really needs to start teaching Obama more about international ettiquite because this just looked clumsy.

Reminds me of the “At Your Service” bow to the Muslim Saudi King.

WEAK, VERY WEAK!

“If you want to learn something of substance about the President and the Pacific rim countries, listen to the speech he made in Japan. It’s is 40-minutes long, very detailed and very impressive.”
who cares? we know what he said w/o hearing it.
“me me ummmmmmm i i i ummmmmm America’s bad, me i ummmmm, Bush sucks ummmmm me me me”

Posted by: Huh? | Nov 15, 2009 4:37:23 PM
Too dumb to listen . . .

But how was his chopstick holding? Appropriate?
And you wonder why watch Jon Stewart for news.

If you want to learn something of substance about the President and the Pacific rim countries, listen to the speech he made in Japan. It’s is 40-minutes long, very detailed and very impressive.
I want a president who knows what he is doing not one that is good at reading from a telepromter

Yeah, yeah . . . President Obama doesn’t bow right, President Obama shouldn’t take his kids for ice cream, President Obama can’t throw a baseball right, President Obama looks funny in jeans, President Obama shouldn’t have music at the White House, President Obama shouldn’t golf, President Obama’s wife is ugly, President Obama . . . blah, blah, blah . . .
We get it. It’s a smear campaign . .. yawn. Nice . .. .

===This comment clearly indicates the poster does not understand that bowing IS the proper and accepted greeting in Japan. Are American conservatives actually that insular and uneducated about other cultures? Frightening.===
So only Obama is aware of this proper and accepted greeting? Because I can show you 47 other greetings between this same emperor and other heads of state, and not one of them bowed. Frightening, their lack of education. Must all be American conservatives.

“Too dumb to listen . . .”
No, just don’t care. He’s got one script when go overseas. Heard it already.

I don’t see anything wrong with being respectful.
The complainers need to get a life. If they didn’t whine and bloviate about this they’d find something else to complain about – they’re nothing more than white noise.

Inept

“Too dumb to listen . . .”
No, just don’t care. He’s got one script when go overseas. Heard it already.
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Check. Too dumb.

Well, I guess he could have just patted the little guy on the head….

@Axey – In Japan non-observance of the custom of bowing can connote unfamiliarity, inattention, or at worst, overt disrespect. When meeting an elder on a formal occasion, especially at first introduction, not bowing would be insulting and humiliating to the elder party.
Is that the tone conservatives think our President should have set in Japan?
No one is “making excuses” for our President. I’d love to see a link to where you claim 47 other leaders did not bow when greeting the Emperor; I’m having trouble believing no one bowed.
My Dad is a WWII vet and even he has no problem with our President bowing to the Emperor of Japan as a proper greeting and sign of respect.

“its just polite and respectful to japan for the prsident to bow.”
The point of the article is that he didn’t do it right. It’s NOT polite and respectful to participate in another culture’s traditions if you don’t bother to learn how to do it right.
My only question is: doesn’t he have a guy to coach him on this stuff???

Because I can show you 47 other greetings between this same emperor and other heads of state, and not one of them bowed.
Axey | Nov 15, 2009 4:50:07 PM
You can? Can you provide a cite so we can google that up?

will we ever get a real man for president again. take the one we have now and hide him somewhere. can’t hide him in the white house, he’s never there.

All this over a “bow”. Big whoop!

@jhw
Front page of hotair dot com. 46 hand shakes, 1 bow.

“Both the Left and the Right Are Wrong”
Oh my gosh! Imagine that!!!

Front page of hotair dot com. 46 hand shakes, 1 bow.
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Do you really think a single camera shutter click of 1/125 of a second captures all that happened in an exchange between these individuals and the emperor?
You think this is proof of anything?
Man you guys need some lessons in simple deductive reasoning.

Weak. Pathetic. Embarrassing. The rest of the world is laughing at us, rather than just being mad at Bush. I’d rather have them mad at us then laughing at us.

===You think this is proof of anything?===
Well if nothing else, it is proof Obama has dumb luck to be captured in his bow and the others weren’t.

To verbally attack the angle of a bow meant solely to ensure no lack of respect is perceived (deeper the bow, greater intended courtesy)shows how desperate right wingers are to undermine an extraordinary man balancing monumental tasks when shoring up relations with a needed ally. What’s pathetic is the ammunition such spurious attacks give the nation’s enemies.

Awwww
Obama wants so badly to be popular.
Most Americans are fully awake now so Obama has moved along to the Japanese.
He just wants some love!
There’s always Goldman Sachs.
They adore Obama.

Nixon and the Emperor bow together. I have a book that will be helpful for our President.
President 101 for Dummies.
A reference guide for Barack Obama.

Who cares. Im sure that will keep anyone from not voting for him in 2012 that isnt already. Must be a slow news day is this is all you got.

To verbally attack the angle of a bow meant solely to ensure no lack of respect is perceived (deeper the bow, greater intended courtesy)shows how desperate right wingers are to undermine an extraordinary man balancing monumental tasks when shoring up relations with a needed ally. What’s pathetic is the ammunition such spurious attacks give the nation’s enemies.
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For the right wing it’s country second, attack the Democrats for anything first.

Between Japan and China, they hold the Pink Slip to the US, so you bet he’s gonna be nice to his banker, by the way, he needs more money too.

“no wonder the rest of the world laughs at this.”
They’re no doubt laughing at the astonishing stupidity of the American people for putting Marxists like Obama, Pelosi, and Reid in positions of power.
So how’s that Hope and Change working for you?

The whole world thinks Obama is a weak cream puff.
Why bow again and remove all doubt.

===YES, this is a big deal. And more so because it wasn’t the first time, as he also bowed before the Saudi king, another insult to Americans.===
No he didn’t. Gibbs said he didn’t. And an unnamed senior official says that Obama’s bow to the emperor was protocol. I wonder why, if it is indeed protocol, he wanted to remain unnamed?

I don’t care for Obama at all, but I do think this furor is kind of silly.
But it makes me wonder about his Chief of Protocol, just as I did when he gave those horribly embarrassing gifts to Gordon Brown and Queen Elizabeth. Why do they get these things so wrong, when it’s so easy to do it right?
One or more heads should roll.

The US has a greater standing in the global community with President Obama than President Bush ever had. Why must a man seeking to live in peace with the world be seen as weak? It is the ones usually perceived as weak who carry the greatest strength. Weaponry and war does not indicate strength, but a lack of ability to dialogue with a healthy respect for mankind.

If the Russian president showed up here in the U.S., grabbed Obama’s hand and vigorously pumped it up and down five or size times, we’d be laughing at his lack of sophistication. Obama’s bow is in that category.
No, it’s not an earth-shaking event but it does indicate Obama’s advisors inability to brief him on even the simplest facets of protocol. Or maybe Obama didn’t want the briefing, figuring he’d wing it. Next time, he should listen.

For all you experts in foreign protocol:
get a life…some of you are typical monday morning quarter backs.
most of you have probably never left the back fourty, much less visited a foreign country.

The bowing etiquette in Japan is very detailed, and doing it incorrectly is not a sign of respect. Jake’s correspondent is correct, this is a breech like Bush’s back rub of Merkel, especially in that it was embarrassing to the receiver.
President Obama needs better protocol people.

I can not find this on Google. Send me the link if your not lying.
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It’s not that difficult, try googling “Crown Prince Abdullah Bush” . . .
“President Bush . . . strolling hand in hand with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah at his Crawford ranch. The two shared a tender moment as they kissed, held hands, and discussed oil imports while walking through a field of bluebonnets.”

LOL…..Obama is a joke. The world is laughing at us.

“Jake’s correspondent is correct, this is a breech like Bush’s back rub of Merkel”
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How would you know?

Some of you are sooooooooooo crazy. Get a life or a “back rub”. Oh, and MICK, I doubt if the world thinks President Obama is a “cream puff”…they’re intelligent enough not to believe That…didn’t your mama teach you that the “bully” was the Weakess of them all. Quite Strength is REAL STRENGTH. Ask your mama…uh, better yet…ask a REAL spiritual person.

Obama the supplicant…What an embarrassment.

I notice in the picture President Obama is huge compared to the Emperor and his wife.
Funny how every nob in America is suddenly an expert on international protocols.

President Obama Rocks?? Are you kidding me? The guy pals around with Dictators in S. America, he apologizes for this country every chance he gets, he literally, for the second time now, BOWS inappropriately to other leaders, and he thinks terrorists and the admitted Mastermind of 9/11 are victims and somehow deserve a civil trial and the same rights as US Citizens!?!? Oh, and Cambridge police “…acted stupidly…” and when everyone in America wants to hear some sort of comfort and hope from the President regarding the Fort Hood shootings, he wants to “Give a Shout-Out…” to other people in the room first….And then, he won’t call the Terrorist a Terrorist when a Muslim Radical guns down 13 people, screams ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great) while doing it, and literally has business cards that say “Soldier of Allah.” He repeatedly contacted known terrorists in Pakistan who hate America and gave numerous lectures to colleagues on his own radical Islamic views!! This Obama is a joke and it sickens me everyday when I see how he is destroying this country. Obama HATES this country and his actions prove it.

Obama makes up his own rules.
It wasn’t that long ago that someone had to remind him to put his hand over his hear during the National Anthem.
Obama won and thinks he can get away with anything.
Why not? He convinced 53% of voters to buy his snakeoil.

The guy pals around with Dictators in S. America
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Nonsense, right away you discredit yourself with this disregard for truth.

He’s completely lost without a script.
Simple protocol, a simple answer–a simple sentence takes forever with the pauses and the long aaands.
Doesn’t look like Obama is as brilliant as everyone says he is.
No wonder he’s hiding those college grades.

Stop bowing.
Stop apologizing for our great country.
Stop protecting terrorist.
Stop bankrupting our country.
Stop leaving our troops in limbo.
Why does this man still have 50% approval? Rediculous

Obviously Mr, Obama is too stupid to learn. After the Saudi bow one would think that he would have the intelligence to learn from his mistakes. Unfortunately he doesn’t. This is affirmative action at it’s finest-Tenno heika BANZAI.

tierra, why hasn’t a single other head of state bowed to the Emperor?Because they are heads of state.Your appreciation of Nippon culture is lacking.

Stop bowing.
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Yes, we’d prefer you smooch and hold hands with the repressive Saudi regimes to secure your family’s oil right.
Stop apologizing for our great country.
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Yes, we’d prefer you strutted around like a delude bantam rooster embarrassing the nation
Stop protecting terrorist.
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Yes, we’d prefer you just vacation n your Texas ranch for 3 weeks and come back to Washington just in time to get caught totally off guard by the biggest attack of all-time . . 9/11 (despite warnings – were you busy staring at Iraq?)
And then the anthrax attacks . .
Stop bankrupting our country.
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Yes, we’d prefer you bankrupted our country in the ‘good times’ when we possibly could have saves a buck, instead of going hugely into dept – just in time for the economic collapse.
Stop leaving our troops in limbo.
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We’d prefer you ignored Afghanistan for 7 years while the Taliban and al Qaeda regrouped – with serious consequences for our troops.
That’s the trouble with fling mud; it can come back on you.

Bowing suits Obama.
Look at where he was when Holder announced that 9/11 terrorist would get a platform in NYC.
Something that big and Obama doesn’t have the guts to announce it himself.

===Which one of the Bush’s vomited on the Japanese
Prime Minister, now there’s disrespect.===
If that is all you’ve got, you don’t have much.
Posted by: Axey ================
Ha! That’s what the Prime Minister said to Bush,
after that episode. BTW, it was Bush Sr. Bush Jr
was still losing money at home at that time.

from what I recall it is also the “eye contact” in a bow that helps distinquish whether it was a bow of mutual respect (like Nixon’s bow) or supplication (like present in Obama’s bow to the Saudi leader and, maybe, in this instance.) Besides protocol which, obviously, the State Dept at Obama’s behest must have done away with (look at his British antics) there also is symbolism. Obama uses symbols so well and he is not stupid, so there must be some motive for bowing to certain royals but disabusing others (compare Saudi vs Queen of England, etc.) I’m just waiting for Obama to do a full kowtow to some Chinese communist official!

jhw..sorry the ipod is not made here it is outsourced and manufactured in Asia. Just like most of our manufacturing will go with obama’s cap and trade.

I felt safer with the cowboy.
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You might have felt safer with the cowboy, but it was the cowboy who left Afghanistan on the back burner to simmer for 7 years while al Qaeda and the Taliban regrouped and got stronger – with serious consequences for our troops.

Eisenhower that beloved, Republican Army General and the best president ever….
was a bow-er too…

all around trash, you have no concept of the bow in Nippon culture. What Mr. Obama did is the 90 degree bow of the servant and the inferior.This is the bow of the conquered-not a bow of respect but one of inferiority.Perhaps you should read Clavell’s “King Rat” for an understanding of Nipponese etiquette.

BREAKING NEWS FOR MORONS! President Bush isn’t the current President – he’s been gone for quite a while now and replaced by this idiot! Take ownership for your own disaster and man up!

IF his bow was a sign of respect?..what does it say that he did not bow back???? Disrespect????
Way to go BO….

While last week Michele Obama wore TEAL on Veteran’s Day to Arlington, while Jill Biden wore BLACK.
Where is Oprah…I thought she was going to help them pretend that they know what they are doing!

Some of you people have way to much pride. Omg, he bowed to the custom of that culture which is a sign of respect. Get over yourselves. No wonder so many people hate Americans. You think the world revolve around you.

all around trash | Nov 15, 2009 7:37:36 PM – REALLY, trillions ?……So much for your credibility.

“Obama’s handshake/forward lurch was so jarring and inappropriate it recalls Bush’s back-rub of Merkel.”
It’s right there in the report, a little something for everyone.
Obama amateurism called out with regards to his lack of knowledge about international protocol… with a little dash of Bush bashing thrown in for good measure.

I’m trying to think of a comparison for the people who keep saying he bowed to a culture for whom it is a show of respect.
Here’s one:
Many Americans hug upon seeing each other. How long you hold on and how tightly you hold the person you’re hugging is a function of how well you know them.
Now imagine going to hug a casual acquaintance as a greeting, and they grasp you in their arms and hold on tooooo long. They won’t let go. It becomes awkward rather than appropriate. It becomes embarrassing.
That’s what this is like. I don’t know if Obama meant to do it to send a message or if he just hadn’t been told the right way to do it.
Now, I don’t think this is the end of the world, but it wasn’t proper protocol.

what a loser America has for a president

===It seems no one else bows to the Emperor as Obama did.===
No one else bowed to the King of Saud either. Except Gibbs says he didn’t bow. I wonder why they didn’t try that one again? It worked before.

===out of respect for his majesty the Emperor.===
Tell us right wingers how he decides which monarchy to bow to? The Emperor of Japan. The King of Saud. The Queen of Eng…nevermind. He didn’t bow to her.

Simply put, the bow looks stupid. It’s very similar to the bow he gave the king of saudi arabia. It looks like he’s groveling to Americans. But most Japanese people don’t see it that way.
This idea, from his supporters, that this is a sign of his ability to understand and show respect to other cultures is bull. If he really was sensitive to the Japanese culture he would have bowed properly. And any of his supporters saying otherwise are full of it.
Nice try president… but next time try practicing the bow on the plane ride over.. ten minutes of his precious time would have been enough to get it right.

What a tempest in a teapot! Bowing is not a customary act for Americans. When a person bows to another, it’s an act of respect for that person’s culture; not an act homage, worship or adulation. Obama is a tall man; in comparison to the Japanese Emperor and Empress, it would be an act of extreme rudeness if he hadn’t bowed as far as he had. As it is, the discrepancies in their respective heights would require the Japanese Royals to continually look up at President Obama.

Have we noticed that the Emperor is about 4’11″ and that President Obama is probably 6’4″ therefore he needs to bow lower than former President Nixon who was probably 5’9″ or shorter. Besides that the US is no longer what it used to be, if we need corporation and collaboration from other emerging powers we have to be respectful. This is not like before.

I think we should all cut Obama some slack for his bow. Afterall, it is hard to stand up straight when you have no backbone.

i thought you weren’t ever supposed to show the top of your head when you bowed, that to show the top of your head was disrespectful. perhaps president obama knows this and was cleverly being dis-respectful to the japanese emperor. sneaky president.

I find the Obama bows quite disconcerting because the bow is not a cultural practice that many, if not most Americans would find acceptable. I am all for cultural sensitivity, but the bow, if not reciprocated by the hosts, shows America’s leader in a hideous posture of subservience, and I don’t like it. I believe the president may have what he believes to be cultural empathy because of his personal experience in Asia. Does Hilary Clinton bow?

Well — first hand — I am an American who has lived in Japan for years now. Obama’s bow looked absolutely idiotic. He could have only exceeded such an extremely poor demonstration if he performed an actual ‘kowtow’ to a Chinese Emperor of old (a precedure that required prostrating oneself 12 times in the direction of the Chinese Emperor!).
I was at a party with Japanese friends last night when one showed me the bowing picture on his keitai. Everyone was embarrassed. My Nihonjin friends were apologetic that Obama looked so stupid — like a typical gaijin newbee who just arrived at Narita airport for the first time and had read an article written by some foregn exchange high school student who had been in Japan for only 3 months. Frankly we all just laughed to ease the embarrassment. People do not bow so low unless they are seriously apologizing. Such a deep bow is a sign of subordinancy in Japan, submission, apology or an over indulgent Nihonjin guy late at night after drinking too much shoshu! And coupled with the ‘hand-shake’ it demonstrated a complete lack of cultural awareness almost to the point of mockery! With most Nihonjin it had the opoosite impact if this goofball was trying to gain in the polls here. In Asia — no head of state would ever bow like this — particularly to the Emperor of Japan as there remains intense emotion yet over the horrors endurred by other Asian nations during the ‘Pacific War.’
Today Japanese newspapers and TV are not even showing the bow, but I’llwager it is not well received in China, either Korea or other Asian nations! What an idiot you people elected as a president. There are plenty of smart and sophisticated black men that you could have elected instead of this hick. He is as stumbling and goofy as Bush — maybe more so!

President never fails to embarrass the people of the United States. He continues to bat 1000.

I think he did this to dilute the criticism of his meaningful bow to the Saudi king – as a way to deflect from that telling moment as if to say, see- I bow inappropriately to other leaders, too.

Odumbo

I think he did this to dilute the criticism of his meaningful bow to the Saudi king – as a way to deflect from that telling moment as if to say, see- I bow inappropriately to other leaders, too.
Posted by: call me cynical | Nov 15, 2009 9:11:40 PM
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I’m sorry I didn’t read your post! I think you hit it exactly and said it better than I did. Glad others are catching on to his games.

Well, his head is supposed to be slightly below the emperors when visiting the emperor in his land. IF the emperor came here, Obama’s head should be slightly higher. He got that right. the bow is from the waist, he got that right. Slight arch, he got that right. I dont know what he actually got wrong. they dont specify. That he is 6 feet tall and needs to bow SO MUCH to get his head slightly below the emperor does not look good but that’s hardly his fault. Should he have bowed first, then shook his hand? THat probably would have been better. But they’re not saying exaclty what he got wrong other than it looks clumsy. How can it not? Obama is 6 feet tall. He didn’t do anything wrong. He just looks, big, real big, compared to this little man but there is really nothing he can do other than ignore the custom ofhte bow ,and maybe bush would have, but that would have been wrong, more wrong. I think you just can’t please some people. I think teh japanese press got it right. He did what he had to, it made him look awkward, it made their emperor look like a dwarf, so they just didn’t print the picture. I think only Americans make such a big deal out of how things look.

I agree 100% with Kobe Japan Expat. I’ve visited Japan, and visited other Asian nations. The handshake and bow are ridiculous. This is embarrassing. The people who elected Obama, believing that he’s this super smart president just found out that he’s culturally insensitive. For a man who buys into multiculturalism, he’s flunked.

republicans and cons, what a sad case of losers u are. u r trying to make an issue about everything. get over it the man is the president and ur disdain for him won’t make any diffrence to him nor to the poeple that elected him. GET A LIFE ALREADY.
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Thank you, Kobe Expat, for explaining why this bow was so wrong from the perspective of the Japanese and other Asians. Is there no protocol officer worth his/her salt in this administration? When traveling overseas, high ranking government officials, esp. the president, are normally briefed on protocol and local customs prior to their arrival. Who briefs the president? He is NOT being well served in this department, and whoever is in charge of this aspect of the president’s trips, particular if it is the same person who advised him when he went to Saudi Arabia or who came up with his early stabs at gift giving to foreign dignitaries, should be fired.
I may not be the president’s biggest fan, but I do not think he committed this misstep deliberately. (And yes, it was a mistake to bow as he did, as Kobe Expat and others have explained) I do not think it was his call alone. So whoever did not let him know precisely what to do when greeting the emperor and empress should be blamed, unless that person gave him the proper information and he ignored it, which I seriously doubt.

He is over compensating for his huge bow for the king of SA…kinda like a do-over…in his head.

right wingers just like to complain.

I am outraged at the tone of this article by Tapper. Even by asking these questions about President Obama’s respectful greeting of the Japanese Emperor he casts a very negative light on a very positive international moment. It is snarky, cynical, and destructive. It even has a racist tone. From this moment on I will consider Tapper a very biased right wing partisan. He has lost all credibility as a journalist.

===EVERY women who meets the queen, who is introduced to her, curtsies===
I’ll have to go look for the pictures of Michelle Obama’s curtsy. I missed it, I guess.

=== It even has a racist tone. ===
I’m surprised someone didn’t say that sooner. All criticism of Obama is racist.

This President, and I use that term loosely, just showed the world, yet again, how weak he is. This guy is just stupid!! 2012 can’t get here quick enough!

Michelle Obama did not curtsey when she met the Queen of England. Nor should she have.
From the Times…”The First Lady of the United States is not required to curtsey before her or any other crowned head.”
The same goes for husband. He is not required to bow to any man. It isn’t protocol, no matter how many times we are told it is. And no other head of state bowed to the emperor. And there have been plenty of them that shook his hand.

Michelle Obama did not curtsey when she met the Queen of England. Nor should she have.—I disagree. shedidn’t curtsy, but she should have. Bad manners. She was in England,she should abide by their customs.

Asians are far more sensitive to customs than brits. Their culture is far more honor-driven. Brit culture is as vulgar is ours.

I’m amazed that there is so much argument over a simple protocol. I looked at pictures of other world leaders, some of them tall, greeting the Emperor, and they all just bow the head. The State Dept. is supposed to know these things, but time and time again either they misinform the President or he doesn’t listen to them. Bad gifts, bowing low to the Saudi Prince, dissing our western allies in various ways, such as not even going to the celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall!

Starting to look like a Normal Position for Obama. Funny, We help to pay his Salary and he doesn’t even give us a ##### thank you.

As usual,the Obamaphiles can’t explain away the President’s ignorant actions.He was wrong.Period.Bringing up nods from 35 and 50 years ago in no way excuses this president’s subservient bow.Let’s be honest and admit that Mr. Obama made a mistake.

A bow that low by one to another in Japanese culture signifies that the one bowing considers the other markedly superior in rank or position, such as a when a junior excecutive from one company meets the CEO of another. When two acknowledged equals (such as heads of sovereign states) bow they should each bow to the same degree.

Who cares whether BO remains upright in the presence of foreign dignitaries or scrapes his head on the ground?
I’m just concerned about his horrible economic ideas and his anti-American foreign policy.

Once again, First Peon shows his stuff. Surprised he didn’t do the little break dancing for the folks. This slug wouldn’t know class if it bit him.
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More name calling, insult and ignorance as intelligent political discussion. The right wing is sinking in its own pit of filth.

“And we watch as the right wing in America falls further and further out of the mainstream”
It only seems that way as the Democrats still in Obama’s corner are hard core leftists. The truth is most Americans have conservative ideals. The ideals you consider “out of the mainstream” are, in fact, the mainstream.
When you wake up from the fog of Obamamania (most have already begun to wake up from the placebo euphoria – a pink slip will do that to you), you will begin to see more clearly.
Until that time, have fun defending a president who prostrates himself to foreign leaders. How do you win the argument that he didn’t break with protocol, when he clearly made a “jarring and inappropriate” gesture?

Guess what folks? Mr. President Obama would have bow down to Asian leaders for help to fix the mess that was left from last 8 years. That way he can possibly rescue the sinking nation and put it back of track. Way to go Mr. Obama. We love you all. You are indeed doing all right things for those good Americans and bad Americans

It only seems that way as the Democrats still in Obama’s corner are hard core leftists
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Nonsense, the voters just elected Democrats to Congress in BOTH Congressional elections within the past 2 weeks.
The voters had their chance to express their disapproval with the Democrats, their policies and the President. What did they do? They voted Democrats INTO Congress.
In fact they booted the Republicans out of one seat they’d previously held.
The President’s approval ratings remain at about the same level as his election victory results.
It really is the right wing that’s slipping out of sight – drowning in their own smear campaign, insults, name calling and mudslinging.
America grew up, you didn’t.

Folks, I am very, very against Obama…a ‘right winger’ as I’ve heard described in the comments. But, it is customary to do this in Japan. I worked for a Japanese owned auto supplier as a mechanical engineer and I can tell you that this is just a sign of mutual respect (they usually bow at the same time). Why Obama leaned over about 90 degrees I do not understand, but to bow your head (an exaggerated nod) is customary. This not nearly the disaster bowing to the Saudi prince was…at least Japan is an ally!

If you say anything bad about Obama it is racist…so dont say anything bad about him…he is black…so i will say something about the half that is white. That way it will not be racist…We owe china and rest of the world money, yet we still give it away…we were the Greatest industrial nation in the world. Made in the USA ment something…now we buy from china, heck we cant even feed ourselves…our dollar is what it is becuse of china and japan proping it up…the back off and it will take 50 millon dollars to buy a cup of coffee./..

Give me a break, Nixon nodded his head, why is it the media can never play it straight with Obama and his many many mistakes, Obama practically touched is forehead to the floor comparing it to Nixon’s nod is silly.

Groveling. Take care of our troops.

“My Lord, this is not rocket science, people. when you travel to the foreign country, you act like the guest. You dont present yourself to leader, in thier country ,and then ignore the customs.”
So why is it than when other heads-of-state (including from Asian countries) visit the Emperor in Japan they DO NOT BOW? It’s documented…

Sitting here watching Axelrod trying to spin all of Dumbos blunders and general laziness…it’s pathetic.
Dumbo needs to exit the WH. He’s lazy, inept and ill prepared.
and he’s embarrassing the American people.

b-b-b-b-ut BUSH!!!!!….wait for it…

Posted by: Krakatoa | Nov 15, 2009 11:11:00 PM
Don’t be foolish and confuse people who define themselves as ‘conservative’ with the right wing, Obama-haters . .. they are not the same people – and they have totally different appreciations of the President.
The right wing Obama-haters are slowly drowning themselves in their own name calling, extremism, name calling and sleazy smear campaigns.

And I apologize on behalf of my generation for producing a president so bent on dishonoring your service and your buddies’ sacrifices.
___________________________________
Apologize for your own words that pretend the people who served were somehow being dishonored. The people who served don’t need to be told YOUR interpretation of what the President did – and to be told YOUR interpretation they were dishonored.

“Let me see – 7 year of dithering vs. 7 weeks of serious study and consultation . ..”
Are you KIDDING? For two solid years on campaign he insisted we abandon Iraq and go fight in Afghanistan. It was the war where “losing is not an option,” etc. Here’s one quote of many from the campaign trail:
“His plan comes up short. There’s not enough troops, not enough resources and not enough urgency. What President Bush and Senator McCain don’t understand is that the central front in the War on Terror is not in Iraq and never was. The central front is in Afghanistan and Pakistan where the terrorists who hit us on 9-11 are still plotting attacks seven years later.”
Barack Obama
September 9, 2008
He failed to meet with McChrystal – who Obama selected!! – after McChrystal asked for more troops, spoke to him just once in 70 DAYS; over two months. And since meeting him for half an hour in the beginning of October after his Copenhagen embarrassment, he continues to dither. Obama ran as a hawk in Afghanistan. So are you willing to concede he was spectacularly uninformed about the AfPak theater, or that he was saying whatever lie it took to get elected, or that – now that he has to finally be accountable – he just doesn’t have the spine to fight a war he enthusiastically supported?

Obama can bow to whom he will and we can’t stop him. But didn’t Japan launch an unprovoked attack on America in 1941 which brought the USA into the slaughter of WWII? Canadians fought with the Brits against Hitler from the beginning. I had an uncle that flew 26 combat missions into Japan as an RAF bomber pilot so we wouldn’t have to bow to the Japanese emperor. But I guess it doesn’t matter now. Or does it???

As an Asian, I too am embarrassed by the silly way the President of the United States bow was done.
To the Japanese, a bow is reflected on the person’s rank(position in society, etc.) – therefore to the Emperor, it should have been from the waist with arms by the sides.
I guess, at the minimum the President could have got away with a polite head nod.
However, the President went overboard, shaking hands and bowing at the same time.
He was trying hard to please !

“Japanese . . . culture remains quite formal. It is usual to offer your hand
in greeting whilst giving a slight bow with the head.
“There are three kinds of bows: the first is just about five degrees and is a greeting for friends; the second is about 10 degrees and is for a boss or senior in business; but the third one is at a full 15 degrees and is reserved for heads of state or The Emperor.”

but the third one is at a full 15 degrees and is reserved for heads of state or The Emperor.”……….Who the heck is he bow wowing to in the above picture? that looks like about 80 degrees to me…maybe even 81

From The Times . ..
“Advanced democracies are fickle; bloggers in advanced democracies even more so. Those in the United States who write about their President have, since his departure on the most ambitious foreign tour of his presidency, been vexed by nothing so much as his decision to bow deeply before the Emperor of Japan. Former Vice-President Cheney, it turns out, stood firm and erect and shook the Emperor’s hand. Mr Cheney worked for an Administration that inflicted immeasurable damage on America’s global reputation. Mr Obama leads one that finds itself challenged on every front, but still has the potential to turn its initial promise of enlightened leadership in a multipolar world into reality.
“Mr Obama’s decision to bow to Emperor Akihito says much of what the President’s critics should acknowledge about him. He is humble enough to defer to local custom, confident enough to know that such a gesture in no way diminishes America’s true strengths and wise enough to understand that after the Bush era the style of US foreign policy had to change as radically as its substance.”

I just can’t wait until he picks up his nobel peace prize….I’m sure he’s in line to win the one for economics as well…..ummmmm

In Japan, the depth of bowing is a sign of social standing. Nixon’s bow was equal to that of the Emperor. It shows equal standing. Obama’s bow is very much deeper, it shows submission. The Emporor is hardly bowing at all. I guess it’s appropriate. Japan is our second largest creditor. More to come.

the window is fast closing while Obama dithers
________________________________
This is exactly the point – the window is till open. The decision will be made within the proper time frame.
We all know where the real ‘dithering’ took place – it took place with Bush and Cheney (the Republican administration). They left Afghanistan on the back burner for 7 years while the Taliban and al Qaeda regrouped.
The hypocrisy is painful and insulting to the intelligence of the American people.

I still think we should all be happy with the bow because it could have been much worse – Mr. Obama could’ve keeled with both knees, with his head inclined at 170 degrees.

Only a nit wit would think that this clowns hat has the ability make a proper decision in a proper time frame……..

ah guys forget. These young liberals don’t remember when most all your male neighbors had served in the war (draft) and many in your community had given the supreme sacrifice for others aggresions. No true americans anymore, no real community anymore, no real neighors or neighborhoods. Just greedy selfish people who want someone else to take care of them. Obama is just one educated man with no common sense.

Posted by: JohhnyD2 | Nov 16, 2009 12:13:23 AM
Juvenile name calling doesn’t work, if it ever did. The American people are tired of the smear and fear extremism and insults – the Republicans lose more ground every time this nonsense takes place.

things at one

bow 2 |bou| |boʊ| |baʊ|
verb [ intrans. ]
bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame : he turned and bowed to his father | they refused to bow down before the king | [as adj. ] ( bowed) councilors stood with heads bowed | [ trans. ] she knelt and bowed her head.
• [ trans. ] express (thanks, agreement, or other sentiments) by bending one’s head respectfully : he looked at Hector before bowing grave thanks.
• [ intrans. ] bend the body in order to see or concentrate : [as adj. ] my mother sat bowed over a library book.
• [ trans. ] cause (something) to bend with age or under a heavy weight : the vines were bowed down with flowers | [ intrans. ] the grass bowed down before the wind.
• submit to pressure or to someone’s demands : the mayor bowed to public opinion.
• [ trans. ] usher (someone) in a specified direction while bowing respectfully : a gorgeously dressed footman bowed her into the hallway.
noun |baʊ|
an act of bending the head or upper body as a sign of respect or greeting : the man gave a little bow.

So next time he should curtsy. Less ways to interpret his actions.

Posted by: bob point pleasant nj | Nov 16, 2009 12:29:53 AM
Bob the Democrats just won BOTH Congressional elections within the past two weeks.
The voters had the opportunity to boot Democrats OUT of Congress and elect Republicans. What did they do?
Given the chance to express their dissatisfaction with Democrats, their policies and the President – voters elected Democrats INTO the Senate.
In fact they booted the Republicans out of one seat they’d previously held.

*Congress

This man portrays a terrible image and example for our Country. Not since Jimmy Carter has a President appeared this repulsively weak. It is also apparent that most of his pre-election hype and promises were deliberate lies and he should be held accountable for it. Our Country’s sovereignty and image mean nothing to him, only world business is important to Obama.

you actually think think Nixon was bowing??? LOL Try leaning.

OMG
I don’t know it’s right or wrong but I don’t vote for the man has his picture on the front page of any newspaper looks stupid like this.

The writer didnot mention how talk is the japanese emperor: about 150cm
If Obama did not bow that much he will never reach his hand.
“”The bow as he performed did not just display weakness in Red State terms, but evoked weakness in Japanese terms….”"
Wrong:The bow is a sign of respect, only.

And I’m CONSTANTLY EMBARRASSED at this MORON of an Apologizer-In-Chief that you lefties saddled us with!!
_____________________________________
‘that you lefties’ saddled us with . .. now I see your problem exactly; you think the American people are ‘lefties’.
The voters just elected TWO Democrats into Congress within the past two weeks. They had the opportunity to show their disapproval for the Democrats, their policies and the President. What did they do?
They voted Democrats INTO Congress.
The right wing cranks are losing the Republican party more and more votes . . .

The writer did not mention how talk is the japanese emperor: about 150cm
___________________________________
Not sure how tall 150 cm is, but you’re right – President Obama looks like a giant bending over to shake the hands of two very small people.

The Emperor leaned over to his wife while Obama was in low-bow and said “Why weren’t we lucky enough to have had THIS Democrat in office back in 1945, instead of that damned Harry S. Truman!! We would have WON!!”
What a difference 64 years make… one a leader, the other a total embarrassment.

tierra – I’m certainly not the one on the front pages of the Daily Yomiuri and Japan Times, looking like a complete idiot in front of one our strongest allies in the region.
___________________________________
Actually, both the Daily Yomiuri and Japan Times focused on the content of President Obama’s speech, and not the photograph on this page.
In fact the Daily Yomiuri posted the entire Obama speech on their website.
It’s kind of sad the American right wing doesn’t know how to read, or even have the political curiosity, to go beyond what they’re spoonfed – the speech is long, detailed and excellent.
The pettiness about the photograph on this Political Punch page is almost exclusively restricted to the American right wing and the sensationalist western press.

tierra – it’s also too bad you’re reading the ENGLISH version of a Japanese newspaper.
HINT: They write in kanji, hirigana, katakana, and romaji…
__________________________________
No bowing picture at all . . . just real journalism on the President and the Prime Minister.

Posted by: Laughin__ALL_The_Way | Nov 16, 2009 1:47:46 AM
I’m sure you’re capable of reading something beyond a headline or a parroted talking point . . .

tierra – You are a moving target, aren’t you?
At 1:47:38, you posted “No bowing picture at all . . . just real journalism on the President and the Prime Minister.”
Oops!!!

At 1:47:38, you posted “No bowing picture at all . . . just real journalism on the President and the Prime Minister.”
_____________________________________
True of the edition I was looking at . . .
——————————-
“Hatoyama and Obama put off hard decisions”
LOL!!! Gee, this is REALLY becoming a trademark of this moron… “Decision? Decision?? You want a decision??? What are those? I’m only the President – my job is to look good, speak well, and run for office… go ask someone else for decision
——————————–
If you read more than a headline or a parroted talking point, you would find almost 100% of that article focuses on the Japanese side of the issue – and not Obama.
Small detail I know – for a man of the world like you – but reading actual content is of great value.

No, not an idiot- but a self-absorbed twit
_____________________________________
More name calling and insult as political ‘discussion’ . . ..

Many of the writers hare are simply ignorant of Japanese customs. The depth of the bow is not seen as a sign of weakness but of politeness. If you had lived in Tokyo for even as much as a week and ever seen two businessmen trying to outdo each other in terms of their bows, you would know this. And so would George’s pet academic. The rest is just political posturing on your part.

Just another stop on his 4-year apology tour…
Bows are a required and expected part of any apology in Japan, and tend to be deeper and last longer than any other type of bow. They occur with frequency during the apology, generally at about 45 degrees with the head lowered and lasting for at least the count of 3, sometimes longer. The depth, frequency and duration of the bow increases with the sincerity of the apology and the severity of the offense.
Bows of apology are frequently performed at press conferences by high-ranking members of a company that has performed some misdeed, such as producing faulty parts that resulted in a death. These bows are almost invariably performed standing while the upper body, held straight, is lowered from the waist until the face is parallel with the tabletop.
So, at nearly 90 degrees of bend, how apologetic does Obama look???

Martin Okai – BTW, I’ve lived in Japan for most of the last 15 years (5 more when I was a child and my Dad was stationed at Yokota), and my wife is Japanese.
Some of us writers DO know of what we speak…

Some of us writers DO know of what we speak…
____________________________________
So YOU say. Big deal. Already parts of what you’ve post have been disingenuous, and have leapt to conclusions and condemnations that show your boastful arrogance and opinions get in the way of clear thinking and observations.
As someone suggested, you seem a bit disturbed.

And I assure you I have lived here longer. The depth of ojigi can refer to social status OR it can refer to deference to age. If you truly have a Japanese wife, and if she is not acting in deference to your right wing political views, she will know this. Also, there are three forms of ojigi: the first is about five degrees and is for friends; the second is about 10 degrees and for a boss or senior in business; the third is a full 15 degrees and is reserved for heads of state or The Emperor. But it is nothing new for Americans to not understand our customs (my father is Japanese), nor is the not so subtle racism we see in these posts to be exposed.

Martin Okai – So, when a 90 degree bow is combined with a handshake, what does that speak to YOU?
To me, it speaks “I have no idea of what I’m doing, so I’m covering every base I can.” Not a very “Presidential” way to act, in the VERY least. Yuo would think he would have had a 5-minute talk with someone who DOES know what to do, and taken the advice.
In short, he looks STUPID!!!

I should add that most of the Japanese-language blogs in Japan today are rather flattering of Mr Obama. Some have called him more Japanese than many Japanese. A very few have chosen to construe a loss of face in it. But they are nationalist extremists rather like your own Republican extremists. And most of us do not take them very seriously.

Posted by: Anie | Nov 16, 2009 4:09:55 AM
Anie read Martin Okai’s posts (below). You might learn something.

Mr. Obama, is groveling again. I am quite sure the Emperor was surprised to see the President of the United States of America bow down. But this is another way that Mr. Obama is showing his true colors and apologizing in every way he can for America. I personally find his actions shameful and revolting.

didn’t obama also bow to the saudi king when they met not long ago? to the democratic base, obama can do no wrong. don’t japanese bow, slightly, to one another when they greet each other. obama is all but licking shoes with his deep almost 90 degree bow. it is a sign of weakness. a very slight bow would have been more acceptable and a sign of strength.

I didn’t notice the Emperor returning the bow.
He knew better.

Reciprocation of the father is in me and the father is in you.

Bow? Are you kidding?? It’s sad that time appears to have dulled most memories.
December 7, 1941 and the resulting 4 years of bloody conflict afterwards? Ring any bells??
The Japanese should be bowing to any American thanking them for not wiping them off the planet. They deserve NOTHING!!

Look closely – the Emperor is ever so slightly bent at the waist…..Our leaders need better education on the cultures of others if they are going to attempt to “show respect” for those cultures.

Obama bowed deeply, not because he is ignorant to Japanese customs; he did so in a very intentional and deliberate manner to convey an apology. He has mentioned many times he wanted to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, one can only assume for that purpose. Since the tight schedule did not permit those side trips, this very public prostration substituted.
Problem is….Obama represents Americans, most of whom do NOT wish to apologize to Japan…or to express subservience to Islam or fealty to Marxism.
So I’d suggest Mr. Obama conduct his personal humiliations in private where they belong. The collective cringing of a nation is becoming unbearable.

Well, at least he did not respond to the emperor in the Austrian language.

Good job Mr President. I’m happy that some people don’t dance like buffoons, try walking out locked doors, mispronounce nuclear, choke on pretzels, hang banners that say “mission accomplished” or start two wars under false pretenses without an exit strategy. Let all the Billy Bobs who have never left their own back yard run thier mouths.

Did Obama bow to the Chinese leader?

Bowing in my part of the world is submissiveness. You bow to show submission to a higher authority

Listen to all the tough guys in here about bowing, etc… this is hilarious. What you read in here could turn into an SNL skit. Can you imagine if your whole life was recorded and analyzed by millions of people each day? What they’d be saying about you? I guess there isn’t too much you can analyze, when most are probably sitting on their couch or computer all day. You do it best!

Oh, no folks….you got the reason for the Obama bow all wrong. He had to bow…regardless of the style….you would. too, if you owed Japan big bucks!!!!

Maybe the ‘Bow’ is a signatory gesture of American apology for nuking them shortly after Pearl Harbor … you know how bad Obama feels about that and has a problem with US victory or that they had it coming. Simply look at his involvement with two huge military conflicts he is in charge of now … our ‘dear Leader’ indeed.
Maybe he needs a ‘War Czar’. One for each! Simply amazing the rank amatuerish conduct from the ‘One’. He is the ‘one’ alright … the one we should have known better than to trust our future and worldwide dignity with. The fifth stooge – we call him Barry.

Typical dumBO. Why doesn’t he just hand them our constitution to shred because he can’t get it done fast enough.

Whaaaay overdone!

Yes, please DO take a look at the photo of Nixon! There’s a HUGE difference between Nixon’s and obama’s movements! obama did a full on bow, while Nixon’s was only a nod. So, in fact, obama IS the first president to perform such disgusting actions (merely continuing what he started early in his term in the middle east), and once again has insulted America and Americans.

Interpreting respect as weakness is often the last error a warrior ever makes.

No real news to report so let’s create some. IMHO, a tempest in a teapot.

Where’s my JOB Obama?

It was a very laudable humble attitude. It’s incredible how you Americans have a huge trouble on act humbly. It would make NO difference for us Brazilians if our president do the same for one SIMPLE REASON: We are who we are and act humbly would not change who we are, but ennoble us. We are confident about who brazilians are and what Brazil is and you Americans don’t have reasons to think different. Congratulations Mr. Obama. You seems to be a great man with REAL virtues and not only a so-called good president.

Tapper, Nixon is NOT bowing. He is a taller man leaning over at the podium to hear the words of an extremely short man.
I see people here saying America should be humble. HUMBLE??? Stick it in your ear! We have nothing to be humble about unless it was the idiocy of electing the bowing Obama.

I like it more when a President leans over and pukes in the hosts lap. Way to go Geo Bush. That showed them a lot about America!

The picture of obama is a classic. Look at Akihito’s wife, it looks like she is thinking, what is this guy doing????

Obama is a damned fool and a disgrace to the United States of America.
Obviously, this is the new direction that Democrats whined about when George W. Bush was our President – and now we see just how wrong the Democrats really are.

@ledford, Sadly we try to talk about it. Raise HELL about it..(remember the stimulus passed last year). Remember the tax and trade bill. Here in Virginia, in my District, our Local News did poll after poll after poll, on the health care vote Congress just took. 60% of the people in my District was AGAINST our Rep. voting for the bill. HE DID IT ANYWAY. 2 Districts on the same border with us have Dem. Reps.. they voted AGAINST IT. We can talk, jump up and down, then we are accused of being crazy, radical. But, they vote like they want.

In looking at the picture of President Nixon, it is obvious that he is not bowing but leaning over to hear what is being said. Just knowing Nixon’s personality would tell you he would bow to no man! Let’s stop making ridiculous excuses for the poor excuse of a President of the United States. He constantly goes around the world making us look weak and apologetic. He has no love for our country….he is changing it into a country he wants…and belive me, it will look nothing like America!

Didn’t any of his advisors let him know it was wrong the 1st time he bowed? Was he not listening? 71 cars in his motorcade? This man is scary.

The Chinese and Koreans will be taking careful notes. It show a complete lack of history and cultural understanding of the politics of the region. It makes him look like a fool to them.

Our President is posturing to “gain” unrestricted cooperation that is desperately needed to put America back on track. If he can bow and gain the necessities to help America return stabilize and return to being the most powerful nation on earth, so be it. If our sons and daughters can give risk their lives on foreign soil for the same,
it is not too much for a President to show respectful humility. If we don’t do something, we will eventually end up doing more because America will be bought because we won’t be able to meet our obligations. We will all be bowing then……………

Oh please he was just being respectful.
His trip so far has been a success. I wish the stimulus and healthcare were as well but give the guy credit when it’s due. I am no supporter of Obam’s socialist policies but let’s not be petty.

It’s certainly not the first time our President as bowed down before another leader. I think it’s President Obama’s relativism views we are seeing in action.

How can you compare Nixon’s “head-nod” to President O-BOW-ma’s groveling???? — Just furthering the “Appology Tour” of the world!!

It’s unfortunate our President has such a lack of understanding of how important culture is…especially in the Far East.
You think with as smart as the mainstream media makes Obama out to be he might learn after:
1. Giving an Ipod to the Queen of England.
2. Giving irrelevant and improperly formatted DVD’s to the Prime Minister of our closest Allie.
3. Giving a button to Russia that didn’t say ‘reset’.
4. Bowing to another nation’s king when it has ALWAYS been an American custom for our nation’s leader to NEVER bow to another. (it is important for our leader to remain equal with all other leaders of the world)
I’m not saying this President is an idiot. But, the only other alternative is he really does want to lead this country from a position of weakness and apologize for our greatness.
There does come a point when you have to use all the pieces of the puzzle. Link together all the mistakes. All the ‘mis-quotes’. All the unintentional hirings. All the relationships. And, finally realize they probably aren’t mistakes, they aren’t mis-quotes…they are what the man really is about.
Go figure.

Our founding fathers fought so we wouldn’t have to bow to the Queen.
When equal are together no one should bow.
And why didn’t he bow back? Huh?

First time I’ve seen Nixon used as example of whats appropriate by the left, but maybe Emperor Hirohito is the raciest because he did not return the bow to Obama like he returned the bow to Nixon.

Obama is qualified to be no higher than a city alderman, in every respect.
Sarah Palin is qualifed to be no higher than secretary of the interior.
Either way they Both are unqualifed to the President, which Barack proves almost daily

MikeAngelo | Nov 16, 2009 12:58:45 PM posted – “You think with as smart as the mainstream media makes Obama out to be he might learn after giving an Ipod to the Queen of England.”
Let’s start with the first “mistake” on your list. Did you know what was loaded on that Ipod given to the Queen? It was a video iPod with footage of her 2007 trip to Washington — a gift that officials say SHE requested. And this gift was bundled with a rare signed songbook of show tunes that the Queen loves.
I just can’t figure how this gift from the Obamas was a “mistake” or “a piece of the puzzle” unless you are saturated by misinformation by talk shows.

Actually it’s opposite Craig. His bowing shows that the president of the United States still has a room to show the respect to the other culture. In Japan, politeness in a good manner can give bigger impact than attitudes with confidence.

Obama is making an effort. Which makes other countries slowly begin to stop thinking so little of Americans. Now if only Americans could stop ripping everything Obama does apart.

if you people bothered to read anything about Japanese culture you’d realize that bowing before the Emperor, who is head of the Shinto religion (greater popularity than the Pope to Catholics) is cultural respect in the highest regard (particularly when one is a foreigner visiting Japan.) the Japanese recognize that foreigners will not be practically trained in their customs, however they are very appreciative of a foreigners attempt at respectfully exercising their practices. you people have no idea how important ritual & custom are in Japan and this type of criticism is just representative of America’s global cultural ignorance.

The only thing that this article shows is the ignorance and small mindedness of the President’s “critics”. It was a gesture of respect, nothing more. It is certainly not worthy of this “intense” scrutiny. However, it does call attention to how bankrupt the “right side of the ledger” is with ideas for progress and improvement on the world scene. We cannot continue to be arrogant and act like bullies and get respect in the process.

President Obama, no matter bow, or no bow, has brought us up 100% in the eyes of the world and only an idiot wouldn’t recognize that. For those of you who still think USA is the top dog, stay under your rock, or better yet, go raputre yourselves.

Anybody complaining about President Obama’s bow to the Emperor needs to get a life.Anything this President does is always scrutinized and for no apparent reason.Yes he bowed to the Emperor out of respect to the Japanese culture.People need to stop taking things so seriously especailly the conservatives,Republicans and any other ignorant person.I don’t find it offensive.

Yawn…

As my unfortunate luck would have it, I turned on Fox & Freinds and was just in time for a long segment by Gretchen and the other two dimwits criticizing Obama for bowing to the Emperor. Now it turns out that not only Nixon did it but also both Bushes. If we ever needed proof that Fox&Friends was irrelevant, they provide it every day.

Proud of President Obama and prouder still that it obviously aggravates the 10% righties who wish Cheeney was back in office. SUCKIT!

Obama = sycophant!
Obama is making a mockery of U.S. strength. First he about kisses the feet of the Saudi King and now this! Obama is pathetic!

Those of you defending the bow obviously know very little about Japanese culture. Having lived there for many years and done business there, I can assure you that a deep bow while looking downward is only used by servants or someone expressing an apology. Do I think he meant it as such? No. However, ettiquette in Japan is very tricky. It’s likely that his gesture made the emperor and empress very uncomfortable–which is a major faux pas. If anyone in his protocol office told him to do this, they should be fired immediately. They are incompetent.

Kathy, you don’t travel enough and read too much MSM. America is not thought of in low regard, the majority of the world would love to live here. As long as Obamo does things for photo opps he wil be slammed. He will be a one termer. As damaging as Carter.

What kind of respect the Japanese King deserves from a leader of a foreign country? What did he do for the world? He happened to be a king of Japan. That’s it. This is funny that people are talking about Japanese culture, blah, blah, blah…… Give me a break.

When the Bush Haters picked apart every action, every gaffe, every malapropism, fair-minded people were offended.
Now that the Obama Haters are doing the same, fair-minded people are still offended.
On the other hand, fair-minded people recognize that the Bush Haters are complaining because they are now being subjected to their own tactics.

I wish he would stand up straight and tall and represent the American people.

Maybe he was just truthfully acknowledging the debt of gratitude the USA owes Japan for buying all the treasury bonds it has in order to get you out of your own financial mess. Just wait and see what he’ll have to do in China. Asia owns the USA because of the corporate greed and lack of ethics that now exist in the USA. How many jobs has Wal-Mart cost the USA; not to mention the destroyed communities? Get back to the founding values of the Constitution and stop fighting each other…you are All Americans so help each other out!

Enough with the left and right stuff people. The guys policies are gonna bankrupt our country. Lets pull together, put this partisanship behind us and treat each other with the respect owed to other members of the greatest Nation on Earth. We are the beacon of freedom the rest of the world aspires to imitate. Not because of what our govt gives us, but because of what we accomplish for ourselves.

‘First, I would like to say that I thank God,we can still say what all is being expressed, as noted above. Second, I don’t agree with the President, bowing, kissing rings, feet or any other tradition, of such to other leades. Esp. religious, remember we have the division of church and state, here in the good ol’ USA and we are not allowed to do much of anything out of church without the ACLU and whoever else butting in. Secound, this Japanese emporor is also the son of Herohita, remember him? He planned and implemented the bombing of Pearl Harbor. We have a day of rememberance every Dec. 7th. Mr. Obama has broken protocol,is practically running this counntry on his own,no kidding, check it out. Zsars answer to him, only. If you voted for him to get free stuff from the government, just remember, nothing is free. He is selling us out. Just wait and see.

Posted by: John in OK | Nov 16, 2009 2:56:43 PM – The greatest nation on earth? Seems to me your opinion of the USA is home-grown… As far as the Human Development Index goes, the USA is 13th in the world. Don’t get me wrong, the USA is a powerful country, just not as great as it thinks it is. Saying that it is the greatest is just a way to shut your eyes on the many problems it faces, poverty, health crisis, education, crime, an ever dwindling democracy sold to special interests… The potential for greatness is there, still a lot of work to do!

Truly depressing is the level of ignorance displayed by the Obamaphiles.Nixon’s head nod was not the 90 degree bow of Mr. Obama.Eisenhower’s head nod to a living saint John XXIII was not a bow.Mr. Obama made a mistake,pure and simple. The mistake is compounded by the fact that he did the same thing to the Saudi king.Obviously he is a slow learner.But then what would you expect from someone who doesn’t know the difference between the Medal of Honor and the Medal of Freedom.

Don’t be too fooled, treb ~ feigning humility by the president of the US is pathetically arrogant. The Emperor and Empress look embarrased for having to see so much of the top of his head.

Damn right the Greatest Nation. History dictates that honor. Sure we have our challenges: Media that pits us against each other, a govt that forgets its duty to represent the wishes of its collective, lobbyists/pacs who seek to manipulate law to their favor, the list goes on. Excessive taxation wont save this economy. Bloated fed govt wont either. Protectionist legislation to force jobs back from overseas is what the govt should be focussing on. Not ways to take over whats left of our free market economy.

Two heads of state should greet each other as equals. That means either the ‘Nixon bow’ (no more than a 45 degree angle). Or, even better, just a hand shake and a smile. In Japan, a bow as deep as Mr. Obama’s is seen as deferential. Often ‘over-bowing’ is seen as insincere and ironic. But foreign visitors make these mistakes all the time, so people are used to it and surely nobody was really offended. It was just a faux pas. The lesson is this: Abide by the universal rule of etiquette that, when in doubt, play safe and behave well according to your own standards of politeness.

I respect President Obama for wanting
to greet the Japanese Emperor correctly, but his advisors are to be faulted. I live in Japan and only nod and extend a handshake. This is the acceptable greeting in an international setting. We do not need to try to “go native” in any country. It is only necessary to show goodwill and respect.

I have to laugh at ABC’s pathetic attempt at covering up for Obama.
The fact is, a 90 degree bow such as the one Obama performed was _NOTHING_ at all similar to the one Nixon gave. In fact, it appears that the Emperor is giving Nixon a similar nod at the same time, a mutual sign of respect.
Obama, on the other hand, looks like a servant bowing to his King. This is the second time he has done this as well, he bowed deeply and actually appeared to kiss the ring of the Saudi King.
It is despicable and it’s even more despicable that our news agencies are trying to play it off as acceptable. It is NOT!

Etiquette rule #1: No goofing around with exotic forms of greetings, like genuflection, kow-towing, etc.

President Obama’s Q & A with the Chinese students was excellent – the guy is so bright and fast on his feet.
He spoke forcefully, diplomatically and eloquently about human rights – and other issues.
We’re very lucky to have this man in this position at this time – despite the hate mongering and smear attacks from the right wing.

Get a grip. It’s a body motion — a very minor effort to gain a positive relationship with other world leaders. If our president needed to walk on his hands to further our national strategy or economic interests, go for it. Excessive ego and pride are usually at the root of the downfall of the successful and powerful. The personal actions of our leaders get us in the door, but our national actions define our place (not some silly bow)

nothing wrong with being humble.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

There is nothing wrong with the bow. President Obama is much much taller than the Japanese Emperor Akihito. My opinion is that the President understnads the Japanese culture. That should be a positive impact to the America-Japan relations. It is so sad that some of the Americans took it as a negative way.

What if in Japan the sign of respect would be to jump tree times and scream like an owl?
He should first respect traditions of his own country and we don’t bow.

FTA: “The last thing the Japanese want or need is a weak looking American president and, again, in all ways, he unintentionally played that part.”
I don’t buy that it was unintentional or that he didn’t know what to do or any of these other transparent and lame excuses. This is just further extension of Obama’s self-identified need to apologize to and otherwise charm foreigners with his feigned humility. Instead he just makes a fool of himself and makes us all look weak. Maybe we are in a sense for having voted such an Obamination into office.
Also, just because Nixon bowed to the president of Japan once, doesn’t mean the right-wing is wrong to criticize. They were both wrong, and the vast majority of US presidents don’t bow. While Jake’s unnamed friend might be a great expert on Japanese imperialism, he’s no student of simple logic.
Based on Obama’s previous standards for what constitutes a bow (Saudi King bow), I thought for sure the administration would fire back and say he was reaching to tie his shoe or something. While apparently it’s just fine for the POTUS to bow down to every other foreign leader, Michelle couldn’t even leave her hands off the queen of England and curtsey as is protocol there. If the administration cites foreign customs and protocols as reason in one case, they must stay consistent and follow foreign customs in all cases. Liberals are horrible at logic.

This is just hilarious and awkward. Even more funny are the constant attempts to spin this as Obama being the greater man.

an outsider: “My opinion is that the President understnads the Japanese culture.”
Your opinion is wrong according to Jake’s Japanese expert. He said:
“His bow is neither (1) unprecedented nor (2) a sign of cultural understanding.”
“Obama’s handshake/forward lurch was so jarring and inappropriate . . .”
“The bow as he performed did not just display weakness in Red State terms, but evoked weakness in Japanese terms….”
You might try reading the article next time — that’s the custom of intelligent people, by the way.

This President is basically embarassing to the United States. What a joke! Goes right along with his Healthcare and Cap & Tax bills.

huh. The Nixon bow doesn’t look much like a bow…

Cant beat The George H.W. Bush vomiting incident.
He barfed all over the then Prime Minister of Japan.
Now THATS FUNNY.

angellight said: “Now the GOP are huffing and puffing about the Obama Decesion of having the terrorists being tried in open court in New York. Of course, we should bring these men to Justice, this should have been done a long time ago. GOP are just mad and angry that they could not accomplish this very basic task of holding these terrorists accountable for their acts!I would not even be surprised if Team Obama finds Bin Laden, something Bush & Co. were also incapable of doing. Would this anger the GOP also? Probably!”
You are missing the point of the growing discontent with Obama’s decision. The terrorists are not criminals, they are enemy combatants. Therefore, they should be tried in a military tribunal, not a civilian court. And as for Obama capturing Bin Laden, that is probably the funniest thing I have heard today. Obama’s strategy when concerning foreign policy is not to keep Americans safe, but to apologize to our enemies and make things comfortable for terrorists.

I sure would like to know who in the hell is advising Obama on protocol?
You can take Obama out of the ghetto but you can’t take the ghetto out of Obama!!!
Bowing twice this year PRICELESS

From Thomas Lifson (former resident of Japan, teacher of East Asian Studies at Harvard and couselor to hundreds of executives from around the world on how to work and negotiate with the Japanese):
“The one thing that virtually everyone who teaches bowing etiquette stresses is under no circumstance try to combine a bow with a handshake. Obama’s bow violates a fundamental precept: NO TOUCHING while bowing.
The Emperor appears to smile, which is something polite Japanese are taught to do when embarrassed. Unlike just about everyone who comes into the Emperor’s presence, Obama obviously received no instruction on Imperial etiquette. (Note: The Japanese take their monarch and etiquette in general about 100 times more seriously than do the British.)
He obviously did not indicate to any of the American embassy staff, nor to any aides familiar with Japan that he intended to bow, and bow deeply. Anyone with about two days’ familiarity with Japan knows about bowing. The average person in Japan bows dozens of times a day. You see it everywhere.
Another fundamental precept of the ordinary bow: it must be reciprocated. To do otherwise is a grave insult (ie to Obama in this case). Yet, it’s pretty clear that the Emperor did not even nod his head. The poor Emperor was likely so shocked by the faux pas that he just pretended it didn’t happen. That is one way Japanese people deal with breaches of etiquette, especially from the powerful, who are also ignorant. But the end result is that Obama has in fact been snubbed royally. Imperially, in fact.
All in all, this latest incident was an utter disgrace. The only redeeming feature is that at least he did not bow his head AND bend his knee, as he did with the Saudi monarch.”

Wow. Yet another example of how high Americans are on themselves. Why do people still even watch FOX “news” anyway? It’s not like it’s even a real source of news. American arrogance knows no bounds. We finally have a president who offers peace, respect and unity and this is how his people treat him. The people want a world that bows down to them, it is rather pathetic and by this point society should have evolved past this way of thinking. Quit believing what the news tells you. Mind your mind.

Is it any wonder why we in the States have been despised internationally? To win a Nobel Peace Prize first you must remove your head from your butt, unlike most of you who obviously haven’t, and grab the concept that courtesy only brings everyone closer to a more unified life on this small planet!
Mistaking kindness for weakness, is a foolish assumption to make. If anything, you should be bowing to Obama for his virtues and see the full picture – “Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer.”
I’m sensing the message coming from all the trash-talkers is: “We’re too good to lower ourselves to the ETIQUETTE in one’s homeland.” – Wow. Sounds like all you arrogant clowns really know what preserving a powerful image is all about!… I suppose most of you would ignore one’s etiquette, and expect to get your way. Oh thats real mature! Lets face it, it took a man of Kenyan descent to show us how true respect is won GLOBALLY!
Funny how some of you make a meal out of an issue so trivial… Will any of this really matter in 10 years? At least wine about something worthwhile.
We can only hope Obama doesn’t eat food with chopsticks when he goes to China!!! Just so some of you can avoid an emotional breakdown.

“You are missing the point of the growing discontent with Obama’s decision. The terrorists are not criminals, they are enemy combatants. Therefore, they should be tried in a military tribunal, not a civilian court. And as for Obama capturing Bin Laden, that is probably the funniest thing I have heard today. Obama’s strategy when concerning foreign policy is not to keep Americans safe, but to apologize to our enemies and make things comfortable for terrorists.”
You are absolutely correct. Our four-year-long national nightmare we’re now suffering is what happens when an uninformed electorate puts a “community organizer” in charge of America.

Remember the photo of from Veitnam, where the guy was shooting the prisoner/trader and the world was shocked?
That’s what we should have done with every enemy that we caught!
___________________________________
You would have done well working for totalitarian governments where people were simply dragged into the streets and shot. Why, because they were ‘guilty’ of course!

I beg to differ about the bow not being reciprocated. Notice the fact that Akihito did in fact bend forward? That’s a bow, albeit a slight one. I don’t doubt that he was caught by surprise, since it’s clear that he was expecting a handshake but not a bow.
I have to question about whether a Japanese “expert” who can apparently read Japanese body language but didn’t catch the reciprocal bow should actually be trusted to know what he’s talking about.
Oh, and as for not bowing and shaking hands at the same time…
[From Wikipedia]
“When dealing with non-Japanese people, many Japanese will shake hands. Since many non-Japanese are familiar with the custom of bowing, this often leads to a combined bow and handshake which can be quite complicated to execute. Bows may be combined with handshakes or performed before or after shaking hands.”
People just need to calm down about this. Obama wasn’t throwing away American dignity, he wasn’t bowing in subservience, or any of the other things that people are accusing him of. This is a whole mountain range being made out of a very small molehill, in my opinion.

If Obama won’t follow the protocol of his own office, he should at least follow the customs of the international community. Seldom do leaders bow when greeting the Emperor. If people decide to break custom it creates problems with respect to the establishment of expectation about appropriate behaviors for future meetings. That’s not helpful it’s problematic.

I beg to differ about the bow not being reciprocated. Notice the fact that Akihito did in fact bend forward? That’s a bow . . .
I have to question about whether a Japanese “expert” who can apparently read Japanese body language but didn’t catch the reciprocal bow should actually be trusted to know what he’s talking about.
____________________________________
The main ‘concern’ here is by the right wing in America who criticise Obama for everything – from taking his children for ice cream, meeting with Republicans to try to encourage bi-partisanship, his wife’s fashions, a White House garden, having music in the White House . ..
It’s the hyped up ‘soap opera’ journalism of America. Nothing more.

Obama bowed so far in the photo because he was assuming the position that he has with the rest of the world for the past year. He has been let the US take in in that way from everyone.

The bow was proper. The art is to position the head at similiar angles. The President is extra tall and therefore has to angle his head to meet with the Emperor’s.

The problem is not the bow, it it the depth of the bow and the length of time he held it. A shallow bow the same depth of the Emperor’s was appropriate as they were BOTH heads of state. They have “equal” status in Japanese culture. In Japan, the Emperor is, literally, God. In the US, according to the media, Obama is the Mediasiah. He was born of the camera to promote Marxism. The bow Obama gave to the Emperor was a SUBSERVIENT bow. The bow he gave was just above that of one offered by a janitor or fishmonger. If Obama wants to be subservient to the Emperor of Japan, fine. Stay in Japan. Oh, wait. Japan doesn’t allow “gaijin” to immigrate. (Gaijin = not Japanese) So I guess our Pres wants to be subservient to the INVENTORS of racism.

My deceased father, who spent quite a bit of time trying to kill Japanese during WWII, is probably spinning. I would have no problem with a slight bow from Obama if the Emperor reciprocated. Obama appears to be more of a man-servant bringing a tray of tea to his master.

Bow! Wow! Wow!
Thanks for taking the time to cover this important topic!
So, Obama bent wrongly.
Did you and your friend ever discuss that his predecessor, Bush, bombed the $hit out of, like, the wrong country?
Like I always say, “old friend”: Palin or Limbaugh may be the new face of the Republican party, but Bush will always be its a$$hole.

Even if it was wrong it is a sign of a man being humble and showing respect in another mans house. it brings honor and respect to a naton who never trys to show any at all. i am a army ranger and it is a way to show great respect vs disrepect by not being so humble. i dont like our president but he is trying his hardest to do his best.

President Obama is bringing back a little thing called respect. I applaud him for the bow he made to the Chinese. Such a small thing can go a long way to show that you not only understand their ways but respect them. We may not think about it but every dignitary that comes to America, and meets with the President shakes his hand. That is showing him respect. That is our way of showing appreciation and respect.

Just give him a break already. Not every gesture has some deep meaning. He was just trying to be polite.

I asked someone I know that has met the
Emperor when he visited the White house. Her family has been in contact with him in Japan as well. Her mother is there now, and says no one is even talking about it. She says the Emperor is always smiling. They don’t expect Americans to follow tradition perfectly, just to make the attempt. They considered Cheney very disrepectful when he didn’t bow at all.

Amazing how the President of the United States has made three major protocol errors in the first year in office. First he meets the Queen of England and his wife has the affrontary to touch Her Magesty in a familiar manner; inexcusable breech of protocol. Notice he didnt bow to the Queen ;who deserves a slight nod of the head to a head of state. Then he meets the Saudi king and bends over like a lacky in fear of his master. Now he meets The Emporer of Japan and does an instant replay. Nixon did it correctly , Bush did it correctly so did Reagan so did Clinton . Whats wrong with this guiy and his no class wife..Get the sweater at Buckingham Palace ! And the liberal media still is giving him a free pass …..The rest of the world thinks he’s a ass,,,,,and with him the magesty of America

Notice he didnt bow to the Queen ;who deserves a slight nod of the head to a head of state.
__________________________________
Wrong again. You discredit your comments with this. President Obama nodded his head to both the Queen and Prince Phillip. The footage is easily available where most video can be found on the net.

What is it about journalists nowadays? Why do they think we should believe their source simply because they do? An unnamed source described as “an academic with expertise about the Japanese Empire” is supposed to be sufficient and is enough to give this article credibility. We should all be convinced now.
May I suggest the journalist and the academic both look at the photographs of the bow again. Notice the age difference and the height difference of the men.
Obama is much taller than the emperor, the emperor is much older than Obama.
Only a fool would overlook the age difference. Japanese culture values its elders for the wisdom and experience. Age equals rank in Japan, so the older the person, the more important he is, the more respect he is afforded. The bow is deeper when greeting an elder.
As he observed Japanese custom, Obama bowed a 90 degree bend and his bow was longer than just a head nod which indicated respect for the elder emperor and respect for his office. It does not indicate subservience.
Notice that Obama returned the Japanese emperor’s hand shake as he bowed. Are the Japanese people offended that their emperor went against their culture and touched Obama? It is not custom for the Japanese to touch, to offer or return handshakes but the emperor is seen going against his own culture to touch Obama and to shake his hand.
Both men were recognizing and respecting each other’s culture. It looks awkward simply because Obama towers in height over the elder and much shorter Emperor.
Why on god’s green earth this is even a topic of discussion is beyond me. The US foreign policy and world ranking survived when George H. W. Bush collapsed into the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister and vomited, it will survive the bow.
Under George W. Bush the press didn’t seem too concerned about how the US looked in the eyes of the world, they supported and encouraged the war based on lies and a war effort that was neglected. They did their best to overlook torture.
Let me know when Obama manhandles a female head of state or wanders on stage with other foreign leaders with his fly down, then I will join you in your concerns about the president’s behavior on the world stage.

This is a terribly embarrassing moment for the United States. This is what happens when you elect a 3rd-year junior associate lawyer and adjunct lecturer as President of the United States.

First and foremost, President Obama, though an American by birth is an African. Africans respect age. In my culture, I have to prostrate to greet an Elder. Ladies kneel. I still prostrate to my Parents when I go visiting. That doesn’t show a sign of weakness, it shows good home training. The Bible talks about respecting our Elders and those in authority.
President Obama is the President of the United States. He is not the President of the world. When he goes to other Countries and other Cultures, he is expected to behave like “a Roman in Rome”.
I have heard a couple of Americans say to their parents “dont be stupid Dad”! An African or an Asian would not dare say something that merits a curse to his Parents and his Elders.
Wherever I go, I try to show those traits of a well brought up Child. Even at work, I respect my much older Surbordinates not out of timidity, since I am still the boss, but out of respect for their age.
The Emperor is a Sage and a Stateman, if not for arrogance, I don’t see why President Obama can not show respect to someone that is probably older than his Father.

Let’s not forget that George H.W. Bush VOMITED on the Japanese prime minister in ’92. Somehow, that seems like a worse breach of protocol.

Remember the old phrase:
When in Rome. Do as the Romans..

go on, do as you allways do; bomb the daylights out them when you don’t like them. Thats much better then trying to behave like civilized people in a civilized world that where no one should think them self superior to others.

Lets talk seriously. American owes China almost a trillion Dollars. America has adverse balance of payment against China. If China presents American Bonds for value, American economy would collapse overnight.
Where then is the Superiority Complex? In the use of Soft power, a Wise Leader stoops to conquer. In arrogance, a Leader comes from War in Body bag but he conquers in humility and confidence.
Some Americans may dislike President Obama but to the rest of the World, he the epitome of a Leader – Powerful yet humble; Confident yet respectful; thoughtful yet accomodating. These are qualities of a good Leader and we RESPECT and love him for that.

Obama has become the idiot-in-chief
Posted by: John | Nov 17, 2009 12:47:45 AM
This is America. Where a Citizen can call his President an Idiot in a public forum and feel proud about it.
I shake my heads in pity for John and People like him.
I am not an American but if you can call your President an Idiot, I can as well help you call him an imbecile.
A proverb in Africa says that “If you offer you Kin for a Dime, Nobody would bid for a Dollar to buy him.
When you show so much bile and disrespect for the President of your Country, you lose your respect as a People too. Keep dragging him in the mud and think that the world will adorn him with pearls.
If the writers of the Constitution know that American will get to this level, they would have thought twice before drafting the First Amendment.

The President should not bow to anyone nor should anyone bow to him. That is protpcal! Especially to a leader that does not respect the rights, or lack of rights, of his own people.
Then on the other hand Obama will have to bend over again when we go back to China for more finanacial backing.
You better bone up on your Chinese!

@Johnny; It kind of amuses me that you actually believe that most of the world and most of america think of Obama as an ass. If you had paid even the slightest little attention you would know that Obama is probably the most popular American president since Kennedy, at least in Europe.
And to mr Jake Tapper; wouldn’t it be more interesting to get someone with expertise on general worldwide politeness to comment how inapropriate and rude you Americans seem when you start saying that Americans shouldn’t bow to anyone? Or that Americans in general are considered rude and loud in just about every other country worldwide?
Perhaps that is why Obama is as popular as he is, because he doesn’t act like a common american?

This bowing this is a bit ridiculous. As someone who’s lived in Japan more than once and seen hundreds, if not thousands, of Japanese bows, I can say that Obama’s form was definitely that of a rookie. But the gesture was completely appropriate and nothing of the “tail between the legs” sentiment that so many ignorant Americans seem to be suggesting.

This is typical for many americans! President Obama has just shown the world the meaning of the word politeness. He is a fine man,and will be a good president, I think. Besides, the japanees emperor is a much older man than Obama – so again, POLITENESS!

I’m quite sure Americans would be outraged if the Emperor of Japan refused to shake hands with the President of the USA in a visit to the White House.
You require foreigners to follow American customs in the US, why do you expect Americans not to follow local customs in other countries?

Posted by: Patricia | Nov 17, 2009 10:03:56 AM posted: “MR. OBAMA’S BOW WAS A CALCULATED CONTRIVENCE DISHONORING OUR COUNTRY.” Maybe from your perspective.
But from the perspective of my father, an 89-year old WWII veteran, our President’s bow was nothing to get fired up about.

I think maybe he was just leaning over to reach that little guys hand.

I think this shows his inexperience. And he looks silly. At least look the man in the eye when you greet him. America is great because we can disagree with each other and still have a civil society governed by laws. Whatever your country be proud of it, but until you have a better system keep your advice to yourself.

This bow shows that he didn’t make the effort to prepare himself by learning the correct cultural etiquette of Japan. If I were Japanese, I might be slightly insulted. I wouldn’t view this as a weakness, but as a slight insult. But then again, I don’t know Japanese culture well enough to know how they would react.

OMG American people are crazy. There was a president who didnt even care to pronounce other countries name correct let alone their culture and american seemed to be fine with that. Now there is this president who seem to show lot of respect and interest in different countries and people make fuss about it. This is sad…..really really sad. “God bless America”

jon erik said: “This bowing as Obama does show here shows that he have social intelligence, as many of you apperently do not have. You don’t gain anything if you don’t show respect to other cultures..”
jon, did you even read this? He did the bow wrong. He looks like he’s going to fall over. Instead of assuming something, read it.

I do understand why people from a young country like USA don’t understand the consept of emperors and royal families. But I do NOT understand why you think you are better than everyone else… Maybe it’s time for us to collect the money you have borrowed. Tell you who is in charge.
PS: Did you know that many European countries used to send all the poor and uneducated people to USA to get rid of them? What a great country USA is!

The deep bow expressed by President Obama when he went to the Palace in Tokyo seems to become an issue in the United States.
What is wrong? And what is the news? Isn’t it nice for President being respectful to a head of state and its people?
A spokesman of the State Department correctly commented that the bow was intended to show respect for the Emperor and the people of Japan. This blog think that the couteous manner impressed Japanese people and it’s been very well received in Japan.
Her Majesty Empress shaked hands with President even though shaking hands is not a Japanese custom. To stick to the western way of showing respect by shaking hands is only a prejudice and Japanese nationals noticed that President Obama is never narrow-minded and rude to stick to one’s own rules and culture as a former President and then Japanese prime minister pretended to peform an Elvis music instrument.
President Obama showed fully that he is a man of words and dignity over substance and action. He is the person who can understand the true meaning of humbleness even though or because he is truly the top person of the most strongest country on this planet earth.
The writer of this blog is not an American but I would say, come on now, for the criticising part of the society to know that there are plenty of things to debate over and restore the trust which was destroyed by the neocons and market fundamentalists both in the United States and Japan, between the most important allies in the world.
I could see in the courteous and elgant manner of President Obama, an audacity of hope as his biography book title suggested and a new born strength of the United States of America. Utterly there should not be any consciousness of master servant relationship on both sides of the Pacific ocean, and there should remain a solid mutual respect.

This bow shows that he have social intelligence, as many of you apperently do not have. You don’t gain anything if you don’t show respect to other cultures. President Obama showed fully that he is a man of words and dignity over substance and action. He is the person who can understand the true meaning of humbleness even though or because he is truly the top person of the most strongest country on this planet earth

“not in the form of a first year English teacher trying to impress with Karate Kid-level knowledge of Japanese customs”
And even THAT is a poor example. Didn’t Miyagi smack his pupil and tell him “Always look eyes!”

To All americans
Hello,Nice to meet you.Are you fine?
I’d like to remark about The 44th US President:Mr Barack Obama-bow toward our
nation’s Emperor Akihito.
Mr President’s bow is never discourtesy but proper greeting.Since I’m real Japanese. Coversely,your English expression:”Your Imperial Majesties” is wrong,”Your majesties” is right,no?
Mr President’s bow or greeting never gave also “Weakness”-impression to the world,I suppose so.
His bow to JP-emperor:Akihito or Saudi Arabia-King:Abdullah never give “Weakness”-impression,”Fox” is Rep:Elephant-propaganda media,I know it.But there is no time for that now in US and the world,no?
It’s very important for US to combine “Red&Blue or Blue&Red”.
We,JP have already experienced “Bubble Economy Burst” enough!
Why did not you,US learned JP failure?
Nway,Mr President’s gentle style is famous in US,no?
To Mr JohnQ,you are “John McCain”,no?
Then,wish US&Worldwide economy crisis-recovery&Calm-life,asap.
Post Script:
Just now,it’s the most neccessay for US&us to be “United Soul of America”! with hand to hand,heart to heart,no?
Then,thank you for all the US-People!

I’m Japanese. Obama’s way of bowing was fine. Stupid republicans.

I am a professor at a Japanese university and have lived in this country for over 30 years. Jake’s friend is mostly correct in his assessment, but his citing Nixon’s “bow” as a precedent is most definitely incorrect. Nixon’s “bow” is done quite properly and is not obsequious in the least. It is a proper Japanese greeting between equals. Nixon (or his staff) did his homework and did not make a fool of himself.
Obama’s bow has caused quite a bit of snickering among my Japanese friends. It is a major breach of protocol to shake hands while bowing, and as my Japanese wife pointed out, even most Japanese would not have bowed that low.
My wife said she mostly feels sorry for him for making such a fool of himself. I think that shows the level of discomfort that this bow has occasioned.

Regardless of those Japanese who claim Obama is just showing “respect” and seeing “humility” in his “bow”, as a 30 year plus resident of Japan, I can assure you that if the Japanese Prime Minister made such a spectacle of himself (of course he wouldn’t!) by bowing like this to the US President, his government would not last a week. It would be dissolved immediately! The Japanese people would absolutely not stand for it.

As the Secretary of State, American women have had to adorn themselves with the Muslim head dress in order to just TALK to those in power. Does that make them in agreement with Muslim customs? No! It is a custom in those countries. And no one ever cried foul when Madeline Albright and Condoleesa had to wear those coverings!
Peggy in Memphis

KDM, thank you for your comment. I understand your feelings. However I would like to say again that our emperor is NOT OUR LEADER. Please note it. Some of people in US seem to misunderstand that we were servant of our emperor in our heart, it were the reason we follow the protocol, especially of bow, and we were forcing you to do same in our country. I would like to say, off course, no for all. Please feel easy. We never do that to you and your president. Furthermore I would like to say such the misunderstanding is insult for us. I would like to remind you that we are well civilized and US is not the only one. I think general Japanese people think Mr.Obama’s behavior is very polite in this matter. Therefore, I wonder why he is criticized in his country. Actually, some news reports say same thing in Japan. I saw both picture and movie of his bow, and feel that it is not so bad in the movie and picture shows unfair moment for him. I agree partially with some Americans’ comments to the protocol we can see below, who is living in Japan, but I think they do not report atmosphere of general people correctly.
After all, I feel that this is domestic incident in your country. I would like to ask some of you not to use our cultural practice as an arm to attack an unfavorite politician. It attacks our culture and pride of our democratic country at a time and is serious insult for us.

Can’t we get a dignified president?
This one and the one before him are international disgraces.

Kym, I do not think it is fair attitude to deal this problem. It sounds like that we should go on being insulted everywhere and every time because of guilty of WW2. I understand hatred of you and your people perhaps in Korea (or China) to our people and feel sorry for it actually even if I had not been born in 1941. However, we are living at the present age and this is present problem. It is unfair for us that present people like you in your country force us to accept all of your present demands because of the history and some of you try to revenge at everywhere.

Japanese people, including me, are surprised to see that this “bowing” issue is in the news in America.
I saw the picture of Mr. Cheney standing VERY upright shaking hands with the Emperor. Unfortunately, that particular image conveys an impression of arrogance. However, in his defense, with that belly, perhaps Mr. Cheney risks a tumble if he bows.
I was taught how to bow in my elementary school:
15 degrees for a casual greeting;
30 degrees for business environments;
45 degrees for greeting an important person, an apology, or mourning;
90 degrees to greet the Emperor.
Even though we learned it, many Japanese people still cannot bow very well. Considering that, Mr. Obama, an American, bowed very nicely. Since I have seen the Emperor and Empress on the TV, and in photos, etc. many times, I can tell from their facial expression in the video that they’re welcoming Mr. Obama with joy and warmth. Bowing and handshaking at the same time looks somewhat comical, but this scene shows “East meets West” and it is very heart-warming.
Some Americans complain the President is showing subordination. To us, it is quite the opposite. He seems to have a great power to disarm people around him with his inter-personal grace and diplomacy. He is the most popular American president ever in Japan, and during his short visit to Japan, he captured the hearts of many more Japanese people.
Even my 80-year-old mother said to me the other day, “I’m gonna get some matcha (green tea-flavored) ice cream, too!” after she saw Mr. Obama on TV, who spoke about his first trip to Japan as a boy—“As a child, I was more focused on the matcha ice cream.”
IMHO, every US citizen should be very proud of having this great man as the President!

@ kym
“Millions more were saved because the USA dropped those A-bombs.”
You are wrong.
Even General Eisenhower had urged Truman, in a personal visit, not to use the atomic bomb. Eisenhower’s assessment was “It wasn’t necessary to hit them with that awful thing . . . to use the atomic bomb, to kill and terrorize civilians, without even attempting [negotiations], was a double crime.”
It was among the greatest crimes ever committed by any human beings ever.
And God hates us for it.
That is why he gave us Bush and Cheney and Nixon and Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh.
They are our punishment.

Work done in this blog is very wonderful and valuable.

@ Fumuneko
Don’t read into my comment things I didn’t say. I don’t hate the Japanese. By and large we (the Chinese) have moved on with our lives. All we ask is for the Japanese to acknowledge their crimes which you’re not fully doing to this day.
“some of you try to revenge at everywhere.”
That’s simply not true. If we really wanted revenge, we’d be attacking Japanese nationals abroad, mounting terrorist attacks on your country and indoctrinating our children to hate the Japanese. I agree some of us use the WWII guilt to manipulate your people but please don’t exaggerate by saying we want revenge everywhere.
@ Turnaround
There’ll always be arguments about the true situation. However, I know that the Japanese have been taught to fight to the bitter end. They’d rather kill themselves than fall into enemy hands. Do you think this kind of attitude is open to negotiations? I don’t. If they did negotiate, how long will it drag on? Should the people of Korea, China and Southeast Asia suffer in the meantime? Personally, I think the US made the best decision it could. There are no easy answers. At least appreciate the complexity of the situation.

tutuu

So many Monday morning quarterbacks… If these hindsighted experts knew the correct bowing protocol then why didn’t they coach their friend Obama, or see to it that he was coached by qualified staff?
The face wasn’t just lost here; it got stepped all over and dragged across the floor.

“Turnaround”
Eisenhower did NOT know about the Atomic bomb. He did NOT meet with Truman and ask him not to use the bomb.
If you are going to make a statement about something that you know nothing about, then stick to something that other people don’t know.
Don’t make up things and lie to support your beliefs.
Eisenhower knew NOTHING about the bomb, nor did any other commander in the field.
Truman didn’t even know until after he became President after the death of President Roosevelt.
It was the most tightly guarded secret of all time.
And it was war. They started it and we finished it.
If Truman had not used the bomb, the total casualties would have exceeded 2 million from both sides. On the US side it would have been military personnel. On the Japanese side it would have been mostly women and children and the elderly because the Japanese government ordered EVERYONE to fight. Children were taught how to disable a tank with a bamboo stick. People were supposed to kill themselves and their children to avoid being taken prisoner. People were ordered to fight heavily armed soldiers with shovels and hoes. They were ordered to kill the soldiers and take their weapons and kill all the soldiers and not to stop until all the invading forces were killed. They were to die to save the Emperor from the humiliation of defeat.
Yeah, an invasion would have been much better.

The Chinese are idiots, the Japanese are idiots, and Americans are idiots. You have all proven this with your lack of historical knowledge/facts.

The spree was only in conservatist manipulating FOX.
FOX executed questonnair about it and the result was;
The bow was inadequate: 5%
The bow was adequate: 65%
Then FOX shut up.

Nixon doesn’t appear to be bowing – appears he’s bending in to share a word with a man who is 2 feet shorter than he.

He’s doing his best. I mean, let’s think about this a bit. What’s important is his sincerity and whatever he tries to bring across in his actions.
This picture says two things:
President Obama was being respectful, performing a traditional bow and modern handshake (the handshake is acceptable in Japan nowadays, moreso for a visitor).
The Emperor and Empress were smiling and looking like they appreciated President Obama’s gesture.
President Obama was being respectful and, if he did make any mistake (I don’t see that he did, even if he didn’t have both arms at his sides), I think it’s alright to say that the Emperor and Empress probably appreciated his sincerity and show of respect.

I have a problem with Obama bowing, not for the bows he has done, but for the one he didn’t do.
I will take the Whitehouse at its word that this was a show of respect; that Obama bowed to the Emperor of Japan and to the King of Saudia Arabia out of respect.
So, why didn’t he also bow to the Queen of England? If he is bowing out of respect then surely he should have also bowed to the Queen of England!

Well, it is a little unusual that President bowed with such a large angle but he was only trying to be courteous.
He was new to all the royal protocols in Japan and in Arab nations with royal families, so I am sure he had the experts to run through all the details beforehand. Even with lessons in advance, he did not get the angle right, perhaps because he was trying too hard. That’s all there is to it, I think.
Of course, I will welcome any suggestions on all those interesting conspiracy theories like “The Committee of 300″ or “The Illuminati” etc. which apparently control even the Presidents of the United States.

Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!