Barack Obama bowed to Japanese emperor as 'protocol'

And the hits just keep on coming. ...

Barack Obama bowed to Japanese emperor as 'protocol'

[BRAVO-SMASH]

I love how he'll bow to a Emperor of another country, but seems to refuse to give HIS OWN country's flag ANY respect other than the "crotch salute" we've all noticed.

[Shar]

Has he managed to hire a protocol officer yet? I thought maybe after the whole Queen hugging, Chavez handshake thing he might have made that a priority.

[abc_123]

The bowing isn't the issue.. it's the depth of his bow. A bow of equal depth (i.e. a head nod) as that of the emporer would be an appropriate demonstration of respect for custom while not assuming a position of inferiority.

I believe thes faux pas happen because that our President does not believe in the United States' superiority or even it's equality to other countries so... why should he worry at all about the symbolism that his actions/gestures give. Right?

His actions repeatedly embarass and discredit the office of the President and out country.

[ZonieDiver]

...our President does not believe in the United States' superiority or even it's equality to other countries so... why should he worry at all about the symbolism that his actions/gestures give. Right?

I'm not sure whether it is outright disprespect, or complete inexperience and stupidity. That said, I am not sure which is worse.

[kimberly]

"...certainly those who witnesses his bilateral meetings there – would say anything other than that he enhanced both the position and the status of the U.S., relative to Japan. It was a good, positive visit at an important time, because there’s a lot going on in Japan.”"

If those visiting in my house would bow to me like that, of course our meeting would go well. What's not to like about a man who I can clearly be superior to?

Oh, wait; I do not respect a man who would bow to me and I can be superior to. Hmmm

[JAGO]

Originally Posted by abc_123

The bowing isn't the issue.. it's the depth of his bow. A bow of equal depth (i.e. a head nod) as that of the emporer would be an appropriate demonstration of respect for custom while not assuming a position of inferiority.

x10.

My wife (Japanese) is currently in Japan for 3 weeks - we had a good laugh over how badly this looked.

In this country we have a big hub bub about his flub. Over there, things are much more subtle. Amongst the ordinary people my wife is talking to, the agreement is that he is a novice lacking an understanding of international affairs and therefore not someone that one should have too much faith in.

Sadly, the Japanese are already leaning towards China as the power - no longer guaranteed their protection by the U.S. The consequences of his actions can not be underestimated.

v/r
phil

[dr. mabuse]

Pity there wasn't a large pillow on the floor for our POTUS to kneel upon.

[Animal8526]

President Obama: keeping the secret service busy, one awe inspiring fuckup at a time.