Obama Bows to Jap Emperor

[jimmy olsen]

Wow, derspiess, you frequent a great site. I especially liked the comments under the article.

Calling the President "a half-nigger muslim dirtbag" is nowhere near the criticism Bush was getting from the left, no?

I believe the Times is LA's main newspaper.

Yeah, it's probably the 2nd most important paper in the country after the New York Times.

Maybe the Washington Post can rival it for that position, but I can't think of any other that could.

[Martinus]

I usually don't care much about symbolism, but as head of state he should not bow to other head of states.

Obama would bow to anyone if he thought it would make him more popular.

And the problem with that is exactly what? 

This approach can be problematic when actual resources are being expended, yes. But when we are talking about symbolic gestures that do not cost anything, isn't their only purpose to gain popularity? So as long as they serve the purpose (more people like it than not like it), those who do not like it are an inherent cost, and can be disregarded.

You really do not understand the significance of "symbolic gestures"?  The entire reason of their existence is that they carry meaning.

Their meaning is only what people think they mean - they do not carry any meaning that is independent of their perception. If the majority of people it was meant to affect like it, then it has a positive meaning. It's simple as that.

[Martinus]

Wow, derspiess, you frequent a great site. I especially liked the comments under the article.

Calling the President "a half-nigger muslim dirtbag" is nowhere near the criticism Bush was getting from the left, no?

I believe the Times is LA's main newspaper.

Then I guess it should moderate its comments section more.

[HisMajestyBOB]

What an idiot.  Everyone knows the proper protocol when meeting Japanese leaders is to vomit upon them.

GOP tested, mother approved.

[Josquius]

Go ahead Obamites, defend this one-- tell me it's not a bow like you did a few months ago.  Or just go on about how it's not important as long as it makes the world "like" us (or Obama).

Go ahead Obamaphobes attack this one more like.
What is the problem here?

[Eddie Teach]

Go ahead Obamaphobes attack this one more like.
What is the problem here?

Of course, a mere jumped up colonial should be scraping for royalty, right?

[Josquius]

Go ahead Obamaphobes attack this one more like.
What is the problem here?

Of course, a mere jumped up colonial should be scraping for royalty, right?

So you'd have no problem if this was an elected Japanese president he was bowing to?

[Eddie Teach]

So you'd have no problem if this was an elected Japanese president he was bowing to?

I have a problem with the US President bowing as an inferior to anyone. He's practically 90 degrees, ffs.

[Josquius]

Could some of our resident Nipponologists (Jacob?) shed some light on bowing protocol?

I guess the "lower rank" gets to bow deeper, but does the location factor into it? I.e. would it be appropriate for the Tenno to request such a bow in the White House?

From what I read- non Japanese should avoid doing it at all as you will fuck it up and cause 'disrespect' (though it will also be understood due to you being a ignorant gaijin).

I have a problem with the US President bowing as an inferior to anyone. He's practically 90 degrees, ffs.

As Viking said bowing is the done thing in Japan. Its just like shaking hands in the west.
If you had to dance a merry little jig upon meeting someone in American culture then the Emperor would be dancing a jig in that photo too. Its just diplomacy.

[DisturbedPervert]

I have a problem with the US President bowing as an inferior to anyone. He's practically 90 degrees, ffs.

At least he wasn't prostrate on the floor.  Wonder who he's saving that for

[Eddie Teach]

As Viking said bowing is the done thing in Japan. Its just like shaking hands in the west.
If you had to dance a merry little jig upon meeting someone in American culture then the Emperor would be dancing a jig in that photo too. Its just diplomacy.

And there's different bows for superiors, equals and inferiors. The angle of Obama's bow is way too low.

[HisMajestyBOB]

At least he didn't make out with the Emperor.



Could the C-in-C be dismissed for violating Don't ask, don't tell?

[Zanza]

Did he already visit the Pope?

[The Brain]

Maybe Obamanidas should consider things like glory, and freedom not being free.

[Solmyr]

What an idiot.  Everyone knows the proper protocol when meeting Japanese leaders is to vomit upon them.

President Benson was the best.