My point was that what is done in Japan is derived from historical context. The context that I put it in was the faux paux Obie did..... in relation to muslim culture.
Even our military salute is derived from a form of submission (showing you are unarmed). The junior or subordinate renders a salute.... the senior replies.
Is shaking hands considered submissive? No, because the connotations are such both parties are on equal terms. Is a (slight) bow of two parties in Japan (or Asia in general)submissive? No, because the parties are on equal terms.
Is bowing lower than an asian person (or removing your eyes) submissive? yes.
Is bowing to a muslim submissive? YES.
It has an entirely different connotation in modern Japanese culture. One doesn't bow to another, two people bow to each other
Your premise that there was "nothing submissive" is only partially correct. It depends on the context the bow was given. A military, or DOS, member bowing slightly to a Japanese person (that bows the same level as you) is a sign of acknowledgement.
Bowing deeper than the person acknowledges the receiver has a higher status than you.... the same as rendering a salute to a person of higher rank (similar to saluting allied nations, or hostile while in captivity).
Bowing to a muslim is nearly the same as worshiping or groveling as the Qu'ran indicates all are created equal. The mention of bowing is to allah.
Remember when everyone made the big fuss over the Australian PM giving President Bush the friendly "salute?" There bas a huge "ordeal" that the PM was Bush's lieutenant or second in command ("the next Tony Blair")
As for the rest, I did NOT make the claim that Barry was correct to do what he did, nor did I claim that it didn't have cultural significance. never accused you of such; however the demeanor of your post I responded to indicated as such.
Lets hope the pilot of air force 1 does us all a favor and does the right thing over the Atlantic on the way home.