Last week, President Obama bended practically a 90 degree angle while shaking the Japanese emperor's hand. This greeting was on the news 24/7 when the photo came out. Many people criticized his bowing. Some said it was treasonous. He belittled the power and independence of the United States. Some said Obama wants to become more active and respectful in international relations. He was just showing politeness to other world leaders. Washington was outraged when he bowed because they say the President should stand tall when representing the U.S. overseas. I don't think it is appropriate to for an American president to bow to a foreign one. What does everyone else think?
Why is it so bad that he bowed?? He was being respectful to a foreign leader... the same respect the United States would want in return so I find it hard to believe that that was a bad move on Obama's part. In my opinion, you saying it is not appropriate for an American president to bow to a foreign one is like saying if a foreign leader came to the United States and didn't shake hands because their country would think they were belittling them that would be ok. The US would be offended as to why you couldn't just shake hands. A bow is normal courtesy people need to grown up and get over bowing.... we might have better relations with other countries if things like this happened more often.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Andrea.....in a country where most people hardly respect their parents, I am not surprised at their outrage. I bow to every and anyone older than me, it's a sign of respect and I think Obama bowed because the emperor was probably older than his dad...as powerful as America is, the President does not need anything to prove to anyone.
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