Comparison of President Obama's bow to Emperor of Japan Akihito to other world leaders

Examiner.com ^ | Nov. 16, 2009 | Réne Girard

[RGirard]

For some reason, Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States, bowed to Akihito the Emperor of Japan. And the internet is abuzz! Even some people in the U.K. have dubbed him "Groveller-in-Chief." Why? Because we're not talking about one of those nice polite little 10 degree bows which you've seen Japenese people do on TV. This was a "let me show you how low I can go" type of bow. "Let me show you the back of my head" type of bow. "Let me defer to you because you are superior to me" type of bow.

Some may say this was a mistake, or he was confused, or he didn't know any better, even though the President is surrounded by people who advise and educate him on all manner of protocol; however, they may have given him poor advice or information.

One could also argue whether this is a typical greeting in Japan, or an appropriate greeting in the presence of the Emperor. But is it?

Here is a link to a blog entitled "President Obama vs. The Rest of the World Greeting The Emperor of Japan (Photos)" which shows other world leaders shaking the Emperor's hand. Notice that Prime Ministers don't bow to Akihito like that. Other Presidents don't bow like that. Even the King of Morroco didn't bow like that.

So why did he do it? Why did he bow to the Emperor of Japan after bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia? Is Obama unaware of the public disapproval for bowing to the Saudi King? Does he not care? Is it because he got away with not putting his hand on his heart during the playing of the National Anthem that he feels he can simply do whatever he wants, regardless of what people think

[RGirard]

This is about half of the article which has plenty of helpful links.

[IbJensen]

I’m surprised Obummer didn’t kiss the emperor’s backside. But then he probably did when they were in private.

[Tennessee Nana]

“Groveller-in-Chief.
_________________________________________

To be found im the new version of the Oxford Dictionary...

Definition... A world leader who grovells to his equal in status..eg: Barry Dunhasm-Soetoro...

[HerrBlucher]

A Papa Obowmao
A Papa Obowmao
A Papa Obowmao
A Papa Obowmao

What a ridiculous Potus, probably the most ridiculous of all time.

[smonk]

this is the bow that the american people deserve

[theDentist]

I bet he “apologises” for Hiroshima and Nagasaki too, the Weakling.

[stanz]

As long as he was facing him.

[reagan_fanatic]

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

"Is it because he got away with not putting his hand on his heart during the playing of the National Anthem that he feels he can simply do whatever he wants, regardless of what people think..."

BINGO!

[GauchoUSA]

He was apologizing for the nukes dropped on Japan during WWII

[TheThirdRuffian]

I am the only one who has noticed he bows deeply to pagan kings(the Jap Emporer and the Saudi) and failed to bow to the head of a Christian church (Queen mother)(Anglican, with all its faults, remains Christian)?

Theologicaly interesting.

[missnry]

Barack back at the hotel.

[Iron Munro]

Hey Kids - Let's Play!!!

FIND THE DEMOCRAT STOOGE!

(HINT: it's not one of the people laughing)
.

[RGirard]

why does this make me laugh? LOL

[missnry]

Can you imagine their home videos?

"Hey Michelle, come in here. I'm with the King of Saudi Arabia in this video!!"

[missnry]

I saw one in the store that looked just like yours...

[TigersEye]

Good article. Very well done!

[reagan_fanatic]

LOL - I like it!