November 16, 2009
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Obama Bows to Japanese Emperor
President Obama is coming under fire for bowing to the Emperor of Japan.
The thinking it that it is inappropriate for a head of state to bow to another head of state. Here is the link: Link
Do you think it is inappropriate for President Obama to bow to the Japanese Emperor?
Comments (181)
no.
Isn’t that what asian people do?
I think its PUSSY.
no
isn’t it the japanese custom? who cares, he was being just polite. it’s not like the connotation we have of bowing down in the US. it’s a greeting there.
Bowing is OK….holding hands with one is disgusting and Gay.
no…? i think it’s respectful…
I think that what he did was totally inappropriate!
You’re never supposed to touch when bowing to someone. =)
No I don’t think so. He is just respecting their culture.
no… i think it was very nice and respectful.
@striemmy - thats a good point if its true (IDK).
In Japan, bowing is a sign of respect, much like a handshake.
definitely not. he’s being respectful!
It’s not like he was fellating him.
At least not in this picture.
It was meant as a sign of respect, I’m sure.. No harm done imo.
of course it’s not inappropriate–he’s honoring the culture of the Japanese emperor and being respectful.
Sign of respect anybody? Damn.
Wasn’t it George Bush Sr. who vomited on the Emperor of Japan? …Just saying. And in Japan, a bow is like saying hello anyway. God forbid our President say hello.
@mathematicalbagpiper - I wish the other people here knew that. The uneducation people think he’s “sucking up”. What was he supposed to do, give the Emperor a fist bump & say “what’s up?”. Gosh, people are blowing up minute details of things that arent even important.
isn’t that what is considered respectful? he wasn’t making fun of him.
no, it’s not inappropriate.
They would probably understand that he’s just confused.
no. for us japanese it is a sign of great respect for someone to bow to us. I think that was a great diplomatic move on Obama’s part.
I’ve lived in Japan just as Obama lived in the East. Bowing is a proper sign of courtesy for a head of state and also for showing respect to elders especially when you are invited to THEIR homes. The fact this is even raged about as an issue is ridiculous. Are people under the illusion that other countries don’t know that America is not the largest superpower? Showing respect to heads of state helps improve relationships and friendships…
@bukeshow - its definitelt true for the emperor, but Obama may not know that. Im sure the Emperor appreciated his gesture.
Obama’s bow was a smidge too far. It was supposed to be a short bow at the waste. However, as the picture depicts, it’s a full bow at the waste, which is a sign of servitude, not respect. Obama bow = Fail
@ashiri7016 - It was the Prime Minister of Japan actually. XD Still funny though.
i dont find that disrespectful.
Oh, if you need a reference to how it’s supposed to be done, just check out Ronald Reagan’s bow to the Japanese Emperor when he was in office. >.>
@Sake_Tatsuyo - but no other US pres. bows to foreign leaders.
It’s not inappropriate to bow, but for a visiting dignitary it’s not expected. And the way Obama did it, shaking hands while bowing was something Japanese found bizarre. One Japanese paper has reportedly refused to publish the picture as to not embarrass him.
The President doesn’t need to have an encyclopedic knowledge of foreign protocol, but he does need a staff to prep him on what’s expected and what’s considered inappropriate. Apparently there are people on Obama’s staff who aren’t doing their jobs very well. There ought to be some people whose knowledge of Japanese culture extends beyond having seen Karate Kid in the junior high years.
It’s not inappropriate only if the other guy gives the same bow back.
i don’t think it was wrong at all:)
I don’t think it’s appropriate for a head of state, but it’s not worth being outraged over.
it would have been inappropriate NOT to bow, from what i understand about their culture.
Man, Fox News must be really hard up if this is the best “controversy” they can manufacture. “Obama shows respect for world leader while visiting his country! Red-blooded Americans recoil in horror!”
No, although he didn’t do it properly really, it still was a required custom in that country and we should respect one anothers customs. You will note that the Japanese emperor also shook hands with President Obama, that is a custom slightly demeaning to the emperor as well. I think they both did well.
@Shinbi_Belldandy - I looked it up and was getting ready to correct myself, but you beat me to it.
But yes, there are many worse things President Obama could have done.
Impeach his ass. Everyone knows that every other custom that is not found in the US is wrong and that every other nation should get nuked. In fact, Obama should’ve flipped the bird to the emperor instead. USA, USA!
nah, he was being respectful.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - lol!!!!!!!!!!!
i don’t think he should bow lower.
I think he bowed further than usual, but bowing is the custom. It’s how they say hello. Don’t all presidents do the bow in Asian countries? Why leap on Obama for this one?
I would think he was an asshole if he didn’t.
This isn’t treasonous or improper. It is just Obama knowing nothing about the protocol between world leaders nor the honor of the office he holds. He just looks silly. He made the same mistake with the Saudi king also.
But we didn’t need Fox News to make the point. The Washington Times said it best I think, “Such an act is a traditional obeisance befitting a king’s subjects, not his peer.”
Obama is clueless.
I think the Bruce Lee manual on formal greetings is helpful here:
Bow bending slightly at the hip (never the neck) with a straight back, maintaining eye contact at all times.
“Never take your eyes off your opponent!”
Obama looks like he is asking for forgiveness or something. Absolutely silly.
Why is this even a topic of discussion? How could this possibly be inappropriate? It’s called having respect…
Are you sure he’s bowing, looks like he’s trying to get down to their level…Japanese are short!
I think it is respectful.
i am fairly ignorant of japanese culture, but i thought that in japan bowing was a sign of respect and a greeting. kind of like shaking hands.
though i’m reading in the comments above me that he bowed too low and that’s why it’s weird? i don’t know. sounds like nit-picking to me and if the japanese and u.s. press is going to make such a big deal out of it, it’s obvious that they have their noses pointed up a little too high.
I think Obama just likes to bend over.
I agree his staff should advise him of exactly what is appropriate but don’t find him being subserviant to other world leaders. At least he is making an effort to show respect and I’m pretty sure it was appreciated and not the butt of Asian leaders jokes behind Obama’s back. It would be good if more people throughout the world would at least attempt showing respect for other cultures….something some Americans lack at times.
This is a retarded non-issue, and that’s putting it nicely. Typical Repukelikkkan irrelevant bullshit. Blah, blah.
I think he looked rather silly doing it WHILE shaking his hand. The greeting is to bow to each other not while shaking hands! Ha!
I think that since Obama is probably unfamiliar with the technical aspects of bowing etiquette, what he did was totally appropriate and probably appreciated by the Emperor.
@bukeshow - sign of the changing times?
@Sake_Tatsuyo - http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_emperor_bow/2009/11/15/286508.html
Jeez, the man is just trying to be respectful and all he does is catch hell for it. News flash America, our culture is not universal!
It’s unfair when well-meaning people come under fire for this sort of thing.. I think it discourages people from trying to honour different cultural backgrounds. None of us should expect someone act exactly a certain way when they weren’t raised in that culture.
there’s nothing wrong at all. he was just showing respect.
We know now who controls obama!
Of ‘course this BS is from Fox.
@Iobot - Cameras weren’t allowed in that meeting.
I don’t understand what the problem is, unless it’s rude in Japanese culture.
Why is it inappropriate to be POLITE and RESPECTFUL to another world leader?
I say it was respectful, and I’m not a big fan of Obama.
Forget bowing, what about a sword fight? That, if anything, would prove the dominance of the USA. Oh, and by swords… I meant something else
Being respectful seems like a good idea to me.
REAL Presidents don’t bow, they vomit.
bow = respect, NOT submission. Obama did a good thing by respecting another culture.
The Japanese are big into respect , Obama’s display of deference was nothing more than trying to keep the peace and not offend anyone, probably.
As for people who are ‘outraged’ by this.. really? Can’t you find something worthwhile to get in a wild frenzy about?Seriously, since when did humility become a crime.
I think it was a courteous gesture.
dude, bowing is a common custom in Japan…everybody bows there.
Well…he’s bowing a lot lower which is usually done by servants and such. It should be a short bow.
But bowing in general is custom. You don’t go to another country and do what you do back home. Its rude! What ever happen to “When in Rome…”!?
@HawaiianHeldts - that is true…you either do one or the other…not really both at the same time…
Apparently he’s ignorant of proper protocol when meeting other world leaders.
well I guess if they are supposed to be equals, then he’s being lame. Maybe not inappropriate, just lame.
I don’t think it’s wrong, but it’s cheesey. It’d be like the Emperor sayin’, “What up, Homie!!!” Lame.
@QueenOfOreos - Ha! I was just about to say the same thing
I think it’s very polite that President Obama bowed to the Emperor. After all, the Emperor would have to shake President Obama’s hand, regardless, right? He’s respecting our culture, so naturally, Obama should respect theirs.
@Demise_Through_Ruby_Eyes - Exactly we’d expect him to respect ours if he came to our country to meet the President so why not him? I think this whole thing is just silly. lol anything for a story I Think.
@QueenOfOreos - Yeah I know. Right wing news casters and such want another reason to bash on Obama.
It was an abomination! The Leader of the Free World bows to no man! At least, not while we have the biggest army in the world.
bowing in general no, but the way he did it waaaay over the top.
@xplodinglastbullet - however, acknowledging those who have been in power longer than you(and ever will hope to be) isn’t totally a bad call.
@bukeshow - I think you are a riot…love the comment and I agree…huggggs
@untetheredsoul - well thank you. i figured i would of got bashed on for my comment.
@untetheredsoul - by the way, you are a smokin hot grandma.
@bukeshow - I just knew you were cool…thank you for the kind words! hugggggs
No, it’s a sign of respect.
There were how many other heads of state who merely shook hands? I think Obama needs better cultural attaches.
In Japan, bowing is a sign of respect!!!! why would you want to offend someone, period? its just like the handshake. if he wouldnt have, it would have been rude and offensive
@untetheredsoul - huggs back
Stop over analyzing the situation. It’s fine what he did.
not at all
@untetheredsoul - if your not a fan of obama you should check out some of my older posts. You’ll like
I don’t know much about their culture, so I’m not sure if it would be percieved as offensive. But I’m sure he meant to be polite.
@bukeshow - thanks kiddo, will do…yes, I think I will like…hugggggs
of course everyone here is going to say no, its more reasonable to ask the people in japan what they think because it is their culture. They have different views about things.
*shrug* It’s a sign of respect. That’s all. Following their culture. No one gave the emperor grief for shaking the president’s hand. Bowing is the usual way in Japan. It’s because it’s so crowded and overpopulated… one’s personal space is sacred. Touching is a huge sign.
=P
Tell the nay-sayers to learn more about the world and get over themselves.
It’s basic japanese etiquette, the equivalent of a handshake. Conservatives are morons.
I have newfound respect for Obama because he is humble. The best leaders in history were humble people.
oh who really gives a shit? lets just bitch about something totally irrelevant for a couple more days.
and is it just me, or are they absolutely the most adorable couple of old people you have ever seen? my god, they’re like half obama’s size.
The emperor of Japan is royalty. Besides, the emperor is also a figurehead as well.
Didn’t other American presidents bow to Queen Elizabeth whenever they made a visit to England?
Is it inappropriate for soldiers to greet Iraqi Police officers properly and place their hand upon their chest? I think it’s great that he showed the emperor proper respect through Japanese customs. What if someone met with Obama and refused to shake his hand because it is not how they do it in their culture?
@xplodinglastbullet -
No it’s not. Obama has high waist for one. You can see that better in his mom pants than the suit but anyway, his bow is a tinge more than half way, and it probably only lasted a microsecond at the pinnacle of the bow.
I dunno if you’ve ever seen it, but businessmen and politicians there dip a low quick one pretty regularly.
I believe it is a sign of respect, so no.
@xplodinglastbullet - when you’re meeting someone for the first time, actually thats how you should bow.
and no it’s not wrong. its a sign of respect. obama is respecting someone’s culture. why is that wrong now?
Would people leave the man alone? Christ. Try to show a man respect, and everyone gets their panties in a twist.
Bowing is OK, but Obama is going to far. By doing that, he’s declaring to the world that Japan is superior to America. Talk about a lack of national pride…
I think it is just respect. Don’t read too much into it. Makes life complicated!
@Rob_of_the_Sky - I approve of this comment.
Isn’t out of respect? Why do people give Obama so much crap?
@Rob_of_the_Sky - I smell a troll.
WTF! Are people really that ignorant? Do we Americans really fail at learning about other peoples’ cultures? It’s great that he bowed because he’s showing respect for Japanese culture and practices. He wasn’t required to bow but Japanese etiquette says you bow when you meet someone, it’s their handshake. Notice in the picture the typical “compromise” took place. When Westerners visit Japan people are sometimes not sure what to do. So usually the Westerner ends up bowing to make the Japanese person comfortable, and the Japanese person extends his/her hand for a shake to try to make the westerner comfortable. I’m glad President Obama was trying to do the “correct” thing while in Japan. It makes me pround he bothered to look it up! Or is the questioning just arrogance? Do people believe America is some great and mighty empire, an “Imperial Dragon” on the world stage who bows to no one? Please! What sheer and utter nonsense to be upset over something like this.
It’s a matter of paying respect to the head of another state. If any other country came to the United States and met with the President, but just stared awkwardly as Obama’s outstretched hand and didn’t shake it, there would probably be outcry about THAT.
It’s a sign of equality and respect, not an admittance of supremacy, as if Obama is worshiping the Emperor.
When I first saw the photo I didn’t even think for a second that it was inappropriate. I live in a U.S. Territory, on the very cusp of Asia. I was pleased with the sign of respect for the culture.
Silly people.
no
@Gerald_Washington - For Obama, it is. He’s been caving into pressure, eager to compromise than to follow through on his idea. It’s been all about appeasement. In short, he has no backbone and bowing in this manner equates to saying that Japan is greater in power than the U.S. Which, I suppose could be true. It’s being reported that China helped pull the US out of the Recession and that they own something like 30% of the US. I find this situation to be quite hilarious.
As to the bow, no, it was a bit too much. A slight bend at the waste would have sufficed. It shows mutual respect.
@DarkYangofICE - businessmen
don’t command the level of respect that a President and Emperor do.
Obama, however tall he is, should still only inclined forward just a
wee bit; a slight bend at the waste to show respect, but not complete
obedience. Regan had no problem bending slightly, Obama shouldn’t
either.
@aN_amAYzInG_storrII -
no, a slight bend, not a full 90 degree bend, would have been more than
sufficient for the purpose. It’s not like Obama is some lowly peasant.
imagine the scandal that would’ve erupted had he not bowed…jeez this guy can’t get a break….
no. its respectful and shows humility.
I would love for someone to explain why that’s inappropriate…? It’s just a bow, get over it.
It’s like giving a hand shake. And stop it with all of this Western-culture dominated etiquette. A true subservient bow is only done properly on your knees and clearly he’s not on his knees. We Americans are so full of ourselves. Can we say ethnocentric?!!
it’s called respect in that country.if he had went up to him and said, “Yo wazz up?”, then obviously that would be innapropriate. at least Obama can respect other cultures unlike America at times
So we bow to the japanese emperor but we cant even salute our own military leaders? nice….
It’s the JAPANESE CUSTOM to bow! (as well as in other Asian cultures)
Man…people find ANY reason to bash him. Back off already.
@Mac_Libureet - It’s their custom to bow, not shake hands, when they greet.
Your source is FoxNews. That alone speaks volumes about the credibility of the report.
Bowing is the traditional greeting and show of respect in Japan. I wonder if people in Japan get their panties in a twist when a Japanese leader shakes hands with a western leader. Shaking hands is a show of respect in the west. Does shaking hands make a Japanese leader look weak or gay? I wish people would grow up or at least open their minds even just a crack to let some light in and get the dust out. This shouldn’t even be a discussion anyway. Had the President of the United States not bowed the same critics of him for bowing would be criticizing him today for not having bowed. That’s really what this is all about. His critics have lost all credibility months ago.
No. He’s picking up their culture a bit. It’s a show of respect. Something Americans could learn a thing or two from. ♥
i’m praying that some of these responses are joke posts.
He’s following custom – his bow isn’t quite right, but then he’s not japanese – big deal. He didn’t puke all over the emporer’s shoes
I find it respectful.
isn’t it a ancient sign of respect? lay off people.
It’s a polite think to do.
I think its ridonkulous people are finding this a reason to gossip. He was merely being courteous and respectful to their culture. Even if they are equal heads of state in most cultures youare supposed to show ur respect to anyone elder than you.
What we have a president who respects the leaders of other nations? What is this world coming to?
No not at all, that’s respectful.
I mean, it looks like he’s bowing far, but he’s really tall lol.
@herzog3000 - Well bush held hands and kissed the saudi
@the_last_timelord - If he were to maintain eye contact, and give a shallow bow, he would be showing that the Emporor is an opponent. The deep bow is good, yes, eye contact would be nice, but he doesn’t know that anymore than however many million Americans who have never bowed. Basically he is showing trust and respect.
Eisenhower bowed to the French leader. Nixon bowed. What IS the big deal? The big deal is Obama is not a republican and the media aka Fox has to jump up and down and pitch a fit. If it were Bush bowing too low, everyone would be defending him.
I don’t see what the fuss is all about… It was just a one time thing about being polite and practicing a cultural custom. In Rome, do as the Romans do.
I think it’s respectful.
O well, here we go again……Blame President Obama moment……………
A world of no. In the world of diplomacy, america could stand to show some cultural respect.
well, why bow when your shaking his hand. it’s just respect times two. nothing bad about it.
No. It’s a well known Japanese custom to bow as a formal greeting.
while bowing is a sign of respect- it also says a great deal about your status by how much you bow. Obama’s deep bow was essentially communicating to the Asian world that America is subservient. but America is NOT subservient so his gesture was inappropriate. He has all sorts of staff whose job it is to cue him on foreign relations so it’s not as if he was ignorant- he simply ignored protocol and has embarrassed not only the US but also the Japanese as Tokyo papers are refusing to publish this embarrassing incident. so yes.
Depends, if the japanese state of head bow back to Obama, I guess its fine.
People know America is a rich powerful country,its good for Obama to build good relations and show respect for other countries.It builds better relationships and makes America look better and like it acknowledges other countries and their customs,especially after all the controversy with the Iraq war,so I think he was right.
It makes America look educated and humble and like it cares about other countries……..I have no idea if it was the right protocol or not,or if thats what presidents usually do,but its much better to make a genuine mistake,if he did,and it to be known that your respectful and trying,than it is to go the other way.
Jesus, he’s just being polite! He gets criticized for EVERYTHING! Leave the man alone!
PreciousOnyx – LOL, seriously?!
no…
No, I think it’s very respectfuil. It’s no different than the Japanese emporer coming here and shaking Obama’s hand.
As much as I would like to disapprove of it, because I don’t like him, I can’t say I disagree with it.
In Japan and much of Asia, bowing is a typical greeting, just as handshakes are a typical greeting here in the U.S.
The emperor is responding with a traditional western greeting, so should they not observe the eastern as well?
It looks like it isn’t really properly done; he’s bowed a bit too far and I would think they wouldn’t bow while shaking hands. But that doesn’t make it inappropriate.
I think it’s wrong yeah. We shouldn’t act like we’re above anyone but then we shouldn’t act like they’re above us either.
i think it’s okay… since that japanese PM is older than him… more of a sign of respect to your elders… geez people… of all the things i’d bash him for… it’s not this… although the pic makes it look like he over-bowed just a tad… but i wouldn’t turn anti-fan on him for it…
No
Its not like he slapped him across the face and called him Tojo or something…. im sure the whole thing was greatly exadgerated and the emperor and Obama probably had a good laugh about f it afterword. I still dont see how this makes international news :S
No. It’s called being polite and respectful.
No, that’s the way they do things in Japan. Bowing is a sign of respect and acknowledgment. As at least one other commenter before me has said, its a lot like a handshake in the Western world.
I hate how people have to make a big deal out of it. He was just being respectful!
@Leonidas - right on!
Sometimes I feel like Americans are so desperately in need of tabloid material news.
It’s Japanese custom, so it isn’t inappropriate.
No. It’s a way of showing respect and for greeting.
That’s like saying normal people can’t bow to other normal people.
@kathan1 - Uh, this point has been made by left wingers too. It’s a matter of PROTOCOL. There are established rules.
Did you think bringing up ignorant Bush Jr’s mistake would make Obama’s mistake any less ignorant? If anything you proved Obama is just as clueless as Bush was. Good job!
Let’s see here. Japan is a conquered country. Why isn’t the loser bowing low in submission. Obama is a freaking idiot. I bet he bows to the maids that bring him his Fruity Pebbles cereal.
For heaven’s sake, I would do a little research before trying to make something out of nothing, it just shows ignorance. No offense, but people jump to all kinds of conclusions before they even take time to check things out first. Bowing is a form of greeting not only in Japan, but in several Asian countries. It’s the equivalent of a handshake here in the states only you’re not spreading germs by bowing. The lower the bow, the deeper the respect. It’s not a religious thing, and it’s not paying homage, it’s just a plain and simple greeting and a sign of respect.
OMG a head of state that respects cultural politesse! Create massive unwarranted uproar!
Who gives a crap, really? Seems like as soon as Obama scratches his ass, everyone has something to say. It’s sad how pathetic some peoples’ lives are that they have to knit pick at every little things another person does.
@xplodinglastbullet - actually, his bow is too high. if he were bowing like a lowly peasant, he would have been on his knees with his forehead touching the floor. his bow is supposed to be completely at the waist, but whatever.
no, its just a form of respect, just to show that he knows how to respect other cultures as well…
@herzog3000 - and attacking the poster is a show of weakness.
My point exactly… there is protocal to be followed and he did. That bloggers are attacking him for it shows great ignorance
Did the emperor bow back?
I would bow to the emperor of Japan because it’s the custom in his country, and he’s old. I have always been told to show respect to my elders.
This old discussion again? Obama bows when it is culturally necessary. Not everywhere around the world will a hello and handshake pass as a greeting.
@kathan1 - I wasn’t attacking you. Please forgive my casual jocularity but in fact I was attacking the argument that equated Obama with Bush. Such a point runs counter to the goal of vindicating Obama’s actions. According to protocol Obama and Bush were both wrong.
But again, this is all in fun. I never take politics personally.
@randomneuralfirings - Good point.
Course not.
No. It is totally appropriate, especially since we are on friendly terms with the Japanese. The republicans are just looking for something to gripe about on this one.
You should read some of General Washington’s letters to his arch enemy, General Cornwallace. “To the most honorable…..”
@frozencherries - Exactly. I get so peeved when people who know nothing about Asian cultures and customs start making assumptions based. Ignorant fools. You’d think most people would have seen enough martial arts movie to know that bowing is a sign of respect.
@xplodinglastbullet - Either he didn’t know that or he was bowing further because he’s much taller than the emperor.
@Essence_of_Hope - Eh, I don’t care about it anymore. lol I like how he tried to convince China to open up it’s markets to US goods even though we owe them like 800 billion dollars and the yearly interest is something like 50 billion. XD They are definitely watching how we spend our money. So hilarious.
I think it was just respectful, actually.
no, that’s their way to show respect, therefore, by bowing he was showing his respect for them.
I don’t see anything wrong with it since it is kind of custom in Japan. Besides, it’s not like he got on his knees and offered submission to him, he just respected him is all.