Obama does the waiter bow to Japan's Emperor

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Eve said:
That is not true. Bows relay much more than just a greeting. Saikeirei is a showing of subserviency.
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I think you should leave the explaining to me... since I'm from "bowing" culture. We're not in ancient time. Here's a correct definition of bowing for 21st century - bowing is a respectful way of greeting equivalent to shaking hand. In Asian culture - they do not like to be touched. it's disrespectful. that's why we bow. only friends greet together by both bowing and shaking hands. Asian politicians adapted to Western way by shaking hands so they both bow and shake hands to foreign dignitaries.

By your logic - why would Asian friends bow to each other if you're telling us it's a showing of subserviency?

this thread is beginning to reek of ignorance and bigotry :roll:
 
If it were merely a greeting, it would only involve a nod of the head, not a full body contortion. Being from a "bowing" culture, you should know that. There is nothing ignorant or bigoted about this discussion. To imply that is just playing the "race card."
 
:slap:

It is important to show a respect to those Japanese people as a courtesy.
 
Eve said:
And Jiro, you should care how we are presenting ourselves to other countries.
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I don't usually participate in these and don't intend to start, but here is a picture of a President not quite getting to required behavior correct.

I am sure the are more of other presidents.

bushmerkel.jpg
 
Eve said:
If it were merely a greeting, it would only involve a nod of the head, not a full body contortion. Being from a "bowing" culture, you should know that. There is nothing ignorant or bigoted about this discussion. To imply that is just playing the "race card."
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The United States has not been a bowing culture since the 1950's
 
Jiro said:
I think you should leave the explaining to me... since I'm from "bowing" culture. We're not in ancient time. Here's a correct definition of bowing for 21st century - bowing is a respectful way of greeting equivalent to shaking hand. In Asian culture - they do not like to be touched. it's disrespectful. that's why we bow. only friends greet together by both bowing and shaking hands. Asian politicians adapted to Western way by shaking hands so they both bow and shake hands to foreign dignitaries.

By your logic - why would Asian friends bow to each other if you're telling us it's a showing of subserviency?

this thread is beginning to reek of ignorance and bigotry :roll:
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I guess it is about being superior to other cultures and having to do it their way rather than showing respect. This reminds me of the thread about not using sign language at a Deaf university.:D
 
Eve said:
If it were merely a greeting, it would only involve a nod of the head, not a full body contortion. Being fro a "bowing" culture, you should know that.
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When a foreign dignitary gives a handshake to the President of United States, it is expected to have a firm, solid handshake for about a few seconds as a sign of respect. However - when one is giving improper, weak handshake that lasts no longer than half a second...

what does it mean?
 
Bottesini said:
I don't usually participate in these and don't intend to start, but here is a picture of a President not quite getting to required behavior correct.

I am sure the are more of other presidents.

bushmerkel.jpg
Click to expand...

I certainly didn't imply that GWB was a master of proper behavior, but I don't recall him ever showing subjection to foreign monarch. In fact, I don't recall ANY previous American president ever doing this until now.
 
Oh brother! Obama is just being respectful and he had to bow really low to their level (they're short, you know?) .

It's about respect. If you act cocky and think you should be "above" them, then you've got no manners.
 
Eve said:
I certainly didn't imply that GWB was a master of proper behavior, but I don't recall him ever showing subjection to foreign monarch. In fact, I don't recall ANY previous American president ever doing this until now.
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again - linking bowing gesture to "subjection." You continue to offend me. My question has not been answered -

By your logic - why would Asian friends bow to each other if you're telling us it's a showing of subserviency?
 
I'd assume that it's no different than bowing to your classmates in taewando classes. Dunno about other karate classes.
 
A head nod would have sufficed.
bow.jpg
 
Jiro said:
I think you should leave the explaining to me... since I'm from "bowing" culture. We're not in ancient time. Here's a correct definition of bowing for 21st century - bowing is a respectful way of greeting equivalent to shaking hand. In Asian culture - they do not like to be touched. it's disrespectful. that's why we bow. only friends greet together by both bowing and shaking hands. Asian politicians adapted to Western way by shaking hands so they both bow and shake hands to foreign dignitaries.

By your logic - why would Asian friends bow to each other if you're telling us it's a showing of subserviency?

this thread is beginning to reek of ignorance and bigotry :roll:
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And I agree, Jiro! Much ado about nothing (this thread)...won't be long when they'll be reporting how many inches he has to stoop to take a crap!
 
Eve said:
A head nod would have sufficed.
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so a weak, half-ass, 0.5 second handshake to President of United States would suffice?
 
Eve said:
That is not true. Bows relay much more than just a greeting. Saikeirei is a showing of subserviency.
Click to expand...

Correct. There are variations on the depths of the bow. However, American Presidents do not bow. I've praticed the Japanese martial arts Aikido for several years and I certainly do understand the meaning of the bows (both upright and in a kneeling position). What Obama did was of a subservient bow by placing him beneath the Emperor's position.
 
Eve said:
A head nod would have sufficed.
bow.jpg
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That "head nod" got Clinton a good scolding from the NYTimes. Yet, the NYTimes is strangely quiet on this Obama's deep subservient bow.
 
kokonut said:
Correct. There are variations on the depths of the bow. However, American Presidents do not bow. I've praticed the Japanese martial arts Aikido for several years and I certainly do understand the meaning of the bows (both upright and in a kneeling position). What Obama did was of a subservient bow by placing him beneath the Emperor's position.
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I am sure the Emperor has enough knowledge that Obama is new to their customs and is bound to make mistakes.
 
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