(no subject)
I don't use this very often, but it is a place to throw my thoughts out into the universe. Today's issue...Obama receiving criticism for bowing to the Emperor of Japan. Some conservatives say it makes him look weak. Now I'm not claiming to know a whole lot on Japanese culture, but seeing as they are not upset by the meeting I would say it was an appropriate sign of respect displayed from one world leader to another.
From the Associated Press:
"Obama's bow was compared with photos of former Vice President Dick Cheney giving Akihito a straight-backed handshake and Gen. Douglas MacArthur standing with his hands on his hips next to Hirohito.:
Hmmm...I don't think Dick Cheney should ever be used as an example of how to act diplomatically speaking and the animosity between the U.S. and Japan when Gen. MacArthur met Hirohito cannot even be compared to current U.S. - Japan relations.
Also from the AP:
"In an online State Department posting from 2007 titled "Protocol for the Modern Diplomat," envoys are advised to be aware of greeting rituals such as kisses, handshakes or bows and to follow a country's tradition. "Failure to abide with tradition may be interpreted as rudeness or a lack of respect for colleagues," it says. It was not clear whether the guidelines apply to the president."
True it may not apply to the President in some peoples' minds, but I would say the leader of a country like Japan and the leader of the U.S. would have to consider themselves international colleagues which requires a mutual respect.
From the Associated Press:
"Obama's bow was compared with photos of former Vice President Dick Cheney giving Akihito a straight-backed handshake and Gen. Douglas MacArthur standing with his hands on his hips next to Hirohito.:
Hmmm...I don't think Dick Cheney should ever be used as an example of how to act diplomatically speaking and the animosity between the U.S. and Japan when Gen. MacArthur met Hirohito cannot even be compared to current U.S. - Japan relations.
Also from the AP:
"In an online State Department posting from 2007 titled "Protocol for the Modern Diplomat," envoys are advised to be aware of greeting rituals such as kisses, handshakes or bows and to follow a country's tradition. "Failure to abide with tradition may be interpreted as rudeness or a lack of respect for colleagues," it says. It was not clear whether the guidelines apply to the president."
True it may not apply to the President in some peoples' minds, but I would say the leader of a country like Japan and the leader of the U.S. would have to consider themselves international colleagues which requires a mutual respect.