Why is this man bowing?
This breach of protocol is really quite embarrassing.
At least it was the Japanese this time, who will be perplexed but will nevertheless try to set the incident in the best light. Only citizens of Japan bow to the Emperor so deeply. The Emperor does not expect it or want it from other Heads of State.
One important fact that I try to teach my students in terms of language and culture is "You should not learn a language and culture so that you feel comfortable in the language. You should learn a language and culture so that the person you are speaking to feels comfortable with your language." Obama is an example of how to make others feel uncomfortable with him.
6 comments:
He did it again?! He really does look silly bowing so low. I just got another chuckle out of it. I am sure he is attempting to be respectful...but it just looks silly.
Just shook my head when I saw the picture. Not only is is a breach of protocol and a demonstration of his lack of knowledge of other cultures but it just brings up the whole debate of how he views the office of president.
Just shook my head. What else is there to say?
I said to Nick, 'I wonder what Alan, with all of his knowledge of Japan, thinks of all the hoopla being made of yet another bow.' Now I know. Although it may be embarrassing for those in the know who understand Japanese protocol, for those of the vast majority who know little of such protocol, I don't think that it poses a problem. It doesn't bother me at all although respectfully I know that it bothers Brian and perhaps others in our family. What perplexes me is that President Obama is supposed to have protocol advisors. How is it that they do not know the faux pas that Alan points out?
I fondly and with laughter still, recall President Bush Senior throwing up on an Asian dignitary (Japanese I think it was!) and President Bush Junior in Asia as well getting stuck and befuddled with a silly grin on his face in front of two large doors not knowing how the hell to open them or where to go!
Fortunately, ridiculous situations and international gaffes know no political boundaries. Throwing up in an official gathering on an dignitary (B-senior) and looking foolish (B-junior) with a you-know-what eating grin seem to be tight competition for whatever might upset you all in these bowing episodes!
The intention is good regardless of the gaffe. The intention is to honor someone else and pay respect. So what?
Of course, there is not protocol for how to barf on your host.
Nevertheless, the Japanese are very forgiving of foreigners who do not know their culture or their language, but the State Dept. knows the protocol very well and this type of faux pas simply should not occur. I am beginning to think that Obama is ignoring their instructions or that he has told the State Dept. to not bother him. In fact, the latter seems very likely, considering the considerable distance between Obama and Hillary, which is a topic for another post that I don't have time to write.
Like Alan said....their is no protocol for barffing when your'e sick and I don't beleive that to be a gaffe. Not being able to find the right way out...embarrassing but certainly understandable when you are in the room for the first time and not familiar with it. Not really a gaffe in my opinion. But bowing when it's not protocol is stupid. I think he is ignoring his protocol instructions and trying to brown nose. Even I...a spouse of a Department of State employee am taught protocol of the new country I arrive to in order help the government avoid embarrassment. You can't tell me he hasn't been prepped as to the cultural courtersies and expectations. He looks like he is going to kiss his toes in this photo. It's just silly. I respect his desire to show respect...but I don't beleive he needs to blow off protocol to do so.
His toes? Chest level? Japanese anatomy is indeed intriguing.
I concede your points on protocol. I find the bowing less embarrassing that the barfing and befuddlement.
Oooo...nice alliteration if I don't say so myself!
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