Did Obama really bow to Saudi King Abdullah?
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M$3 Answers
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M$
I am a white American. I have been to the houses of many SE Asians and have lived in Korea. I have adapted to the cultures of these people when visiting their lands and their homes, removing shoes, bowing, yada yada, watching which hand I use for what...
Why is it so necessary that we have to be like "Screw you and your culture, everyone. We're Americans. Our way or the highway!"
Any business person, or hell, children, are told to have manners in front of guests or visitors; I know this is an international stage, but seriously... can we grow up, please?
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M$
I agree, mrnemo.
I live in one of the most multicultural areas in the world.
I believe that it's very important to "do as the Romans do" not only as a sign of mutual respect but introduces empathy and candor.
Americans often think that it is patriotic not to observe the cultural nuances of others. In my experience, this single fact has largely contributed to their reputation throughout the world.
I don't think not bowing to a foreign head of state is the same as a pronouncement of "Screw you and your culture, everyone."
It's also worth considering: Did the other heads of state bow? What are the implications of our head of state bowing to the king in Saudi culture?
What WOULD it represent if Obama bowed to King Abdullah? A greeting in Saudi Arabian culture? A sign of respect? What does this imply?
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M$
Voted helpful for the picture. That says it all. Either he bowed or he found a quarter on the ground.
"The U.S. State Department's office of protocol, in a statement attributed to acting chief of protocol Gladys Blouda, confirmed the type of greeting between heads of state depends on the customs of the countries, but a handshake is the most common form of greeting. "
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=93696
"Such an act is a traditional obeisance befitting a king's subjects, not his peer...Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt shook hands with Saudi King Abdulaziz in February 1945"
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/07/barack-takes-a-bow/
"It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah," said an Obama aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity."
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2009/04/08/video-catches-white-house-in-a-lie-over-alleged-bow/7
Really?