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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| Obamo Kowtows Before Emperor Akihito - Photo |
| 2009-11-14 |
| Posted by: Anonymoose |
| #14 Now a junior-to-senior is essentially what you see in the photo I would have described it as shopkeeper to honored customer, but yeah. Major social faux paux. I'm sure the Japanese are laughing themselves silly. But in private, of course, so as not to embarrass their guest. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2009-11-14 22:33 |
| #13 He's bowing a bit too deeply, as well The higher position, the less the bow. If you ever watch two senior execs of equal status meet, both of them bow with their heads slightly cocked to the other, ensuring the bows (there are multiple)are equal to each other. Now a junior-to-senior is essentially what you see in the photo. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2009-11-14 22:17 |
| #12 He has improved with practice. Did you see the Saudi photo? He tried to step forward, bow, and shake hands, all at the same time. Perhaps he was still walking forward, having misjudged the distance -- it's hard to tell from the single image. At least this time he's standing still. Don't let's forget he spent the formative years of his life in Malaysia, which still has sultans (seven of them, if I recall correctly). So then he was not only a child and an outsider, but a subject as well. Really, what the Obamas need more than anything is an expert on international protocol for him and a stylist for her. Mrs. Bush would do nicely in both roles. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2009-11-14 20:54 |
| #11 What a maroon. |
| Posted by: gorb 2009-11-14 20:30 |
| #10 Way more than a bit. Fifteen degrees or so, without lowering the eyes, would do. American Presidents traditionally don't defer to 'royalty', they shake hands. And I've never seen the even the greenest gaijin attempt to shake hands and bow at the same time. What a dork. |
| Posted by: KBK 2009-11-14 20:04 |
| #9 Unlike bowing before the Saudi King, bowing in Japan is just common courtesy, like shaking hands. The depth of the bow is indicative of rank. Obama's gaffe is shaking hands and bowing at the same time. He's bowing a bit too deeply, as well, but we all know the Bammer is inexperienced and out of his depth, with a staff that has no understanding of international protocol. |
| Posted by: Scooter McGruder 2009-11-14 19:27 |
| #8 Someone forget to tell mr. universe not to shake hands and bow at the same time; it makes a person look foolish. Ya know, for the postmodern president, wtf that means anyways, he sure has a propensity to behave in the ancient way of groveling before royalty. Of course, with the USA never having kings and queens or man-gods, he should not be bowing to anyone. |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2009-11-14 18:20 |
| #7 I am sure after the Dems asked for it to be pulled. |
| Posted by: 3dc 2009-11-14 16:28 |
| #6 to rip off The Corner: "Anita Dunn speaks truth to Bower" what a tool |
| Posted by: Frank G 2009-11-14 16:22 |
| #5 Remember when his wife put her hand on Elizabeth's back? |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2009-11-14 16:17 |
| #4 This POS represents the US, it's history, traditions and national pride and honor. We threw off the bonds of colonial power and declared ourselves a Republic, beholding to none and equal to all. The President represents that heritage, every day. We don't dip our colors to anyhone, and my favorite WWII story involves the meeting of a B-17 bomber crew and the King of England during a royal visit to a US base. When introduced to the flight crew, the senior sergeant stepped forward, looked the King straight in the eye, stuck out his hand and said "Hiya King"! That is what average Americans do, since we are equal to all. Sooooo imagine my reaction when our POS bows like a peasant..... to the Saudi King, to the Japanses Emperor, (interestingly, not to the Queen of England, but speaks to his Kenyan feelings). |
| Posted by: NoMoreBS 2009-11-14 14:27 |
| #3 McArthur is twirling. |
| Posted by: Mizzou Mafia 2009-11-14 14:02 |
| #2 Smart diplomacy in action. |
| Posted by: Cornsilk Blondie 2009-11-14 13:31 |
| #1 The libs are going to take the line that Zero is just showing respect that "W" didn't give, ergo, it's all George Bush's fault.... |
| Posted by: Uncle Phester 2009-11-14 11:54 |