Obama Bows to Jap Emperor

[Jaron]

Yes, he is King Juan Carlos. I tried to find a picture of him and Akihito, bur the only two I found were the 'king + gundam prototype' one and this



From http://www.life.com/image/83627517

Hes not bowing. hes leaning forward to kiss her hand. Dolt!

[Hansmeister]

What amazes me is that one can discuss a messed up bow by Obama for 7 pages long...

For the second freaking time.

You'd figure the idiot would learn after the first time, but you'd be wrong.

[Jaron]

What amazes me is that one can discuss a messed up bow by Obama for 7 pages long...

For the second freaking time.

You'd figure the idiot would learn after the first time, but you'd be wrong.

Watch how you speak of your president, Hans.

And I don't see any issue with this. Its etiquette. Just because he is the president of the USA doesn't mean he is supposed to strut into the room and demand the emperor kiss his feet.

[Hansmeister]

What amazes me is that one can discuss a messed up bow by Obama for 7 pages long...

For the second freaking time.

You'd figure the idiot would learn after the first time, but you'd be wrong.

Watch how you speak of your president, Hans.

And I don't see any issue with this. Its etiquette. Just because he is the president of the USA doesn't mean he is supposed to strut into the room and demand the emperor kiss his feet.

It's not etiquette, dumbass.  From the Japanese Book of Manners:

We can say that to only lower your head is not so good for a Japanese bow. You will give the impression that your bow falls short. There are also the cases of somebody bowing their head repeatedly. In doing this, one might think you are paying the deepest respect and consideration, are being polite, etc., but the sentiment which should be expressed in the Japanese bow fails to be expressed doing this. When bowing while standing, their is the "highest respectful bow" (saikeirei), which is executed from a position of standing straight upward, and then bending 45-degrees or more. "Respectful bow" is at 30-to-40 degrees, and everyday "eshaku" around 15-degrees.

"Saikeirei" is not seen on a regular basis, but is used in order to offer an apology, or when one is extremely grateful for something received, as well as performed before the altar of Shinto shrines and Bhuddist temples. In case of a handshake, straighten the back, and by all means one must look directly into the face (eyes) of the recipient of one's handshake. It is not to be too strong and not too light. Too strong will reflect an insult and too weak will not reflect good will. In America, such a weak handshake is called a "dead fish handshake", with the feeling being that the person wielding a dead fish. And, shaking a hand while performing a bow will be seen as subservient ("servile", "supple", "mean"), and is not to be done.

[Jaron]

*flips Hans off*

[HisMajestyBOB]

Another blunder: Obama forgets which country's flag is his, stands at wrong podium. 

[Jaron]

Obamas hair looks like pubes

[Kleves]

Apparently an administration official defended thw bow as "enhancing both the position and status of the U.S. relative to Japan." 

[Alatriste]

Hes not bowing. hes leaning forward to kiss her hand. Dolt!

What part of 'Yes, he is King Juan Carlos. I tried to find a picture of him and Akihito, bur the only two I found were the 'king + gundam prototype' one and this' did you miss?

Of course he's only leaning forward. That's the reason I didn't post that picture along with Princess Victoria's...

[Maximus]

You'd figure the idiot would learn after the first time, but you'd be wrong.

You'd think the idiots who are freaking out about it would learn after no one cared the first time.

[DontSayBanana]

This thread kinda seems like the political version of

[Josquius]

Another blunder: Obama forgets which country's flag is his, stands at wrong podium. 

OMFG! A US PRESIDENT STANDING TO THE RIGHT OF ANOTHER COUNTRY'S LEADER! OBAMAHITLER IS TRYING TO MAkE AMERICA JAPANS SIDEkICk!!

[Eddie Teach]

This thread kinda seems like the political version of

That dude looks like Rainn Wilson with a few extra pounds.

[KRonn]

This is how ABC news Japan expert put it:

"Obama's handshake/forward lurch was so jarring and inappropriate it recalls Bush's back-rub of Merkel.

"Kyodo News is running his appropriate and reciprocated nod and shake with the Empress, certainly to show the president as dignified, and not in the form of a first year English teacher trying to impress with Karate Kid-level knowledge of Japanese customs.

"The bow as he performed did not just display weakness in Red State terms, but evoked weakness in Japanese terms....The last thing the Japanese want or need is a weak looking American president and, again, in all ways, he unintentionally played that part.

Of course he is not just playing the part of a weak President. 

Sadly, we seem to have another bow-gate for the Obama administration.   

[Neil]

This thread kinda seems like the political version of

Not really.  I don't think there are too many people who think that Obama is a step up from Bush.