How Low Will He Go? Obama Gives Japan's Emperor Akihito A Wow Bow -- L.A. Times
How low will the new American president go for the world's royalty?
This photo will get Democrat President Obama a lot of approving nods in Japan this weekend, especially among the older generation of Japanese who still pay attention to the royal family living in its downtown castle. Very low bows like this are a sign of great respect and deference for a superior.
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My Comment: As A Canadian citizen, born of Soviet parents, with a God Father from Korea (and because of him I have been strongly influenced by Asian culture) .... I am in a position to comment on President Obama's bow.
This may surprise some of my readers ... but President Obama is doing the right thing.
Growing up in Hawaii and Indonesia, I am sure that President Obama was exposed to Asian culture and traditions. Bowing to the Emperor of Japan is not a symbol of weakness or subservience to the Japanese crown, but respect for the position and institution of the Japanese Monarchy and its long history.
The fact that he could do it comfortably and with confidence will be perceived in Asia as coming from a man of deep thought and respect for Asian traditions. There is pluses in this action that diplomacy and negotiation cannot duplicate .... and from now on Asian society and its political leaders will accord President Obama with the same respect and deference.
I did the same thing in Asia when I lived there in the early 1980s. Being one of the first Caucasians to do it in China has brought me benefits and contacts in China, Korea, and Japan that most senior political and business leaders would give their eye teeth for. But what they do not understand is that most would do it for profit ..... I did it because it was the right thing to do. President Obama .... I am sure .... is doing this for the same reasons.
Update: I am not a fan of President Obama .... in fact I am one of his voracious critics .... but this one act caught my attention. I will now look at him differently ..... to a point (of course). But if I feel like this .... one can imagine the perception and sentiment in Asia where tradition, culture, and custom play an important role in life on a daily basis. Trust me .... this one action from President Obama cannot be underestimated.
Update #2: Obama's botched bow -- American Thinker
My Comment: The American Thinker makes a good point .... but the Japanese will still view President Obama's bow for what it is .... a symbol of respect to the Japanese crown .... and that is what counts. Still .... I will admit that the bow was a surprise.