I'm sorry, as a person very familiar with asian and Japanese formalities, this is a total faux pas. Bows like what Obama has done is done not to show respect, (unlike most of you who think you know the culture), but a sign of acknowledgment of a superior. It's is both inappropriate and embarrassing.

Not to mention his actions overseas represent not only himself, but the US. I don't think I'd bow to anyone.

It's not a a bow of respect, a shallow bow would have been suffice for that, even a handshake considering Obama is a foreigner outside of the culture. Any bows in such a culture that place extreme importance in the minutest of gestures has great significance, and again, those of you who posted here thinking he is just showing due respect as a "non-hillbilly" prez is just ignorant. He has exhibited again an over-eagerness and naivete to make nice.

I am an asian American and I am freaking upset and embarrassed, Obama's bow don't represent me or any self-respecting free Americans.

What a tool.

Congratulations Americans, you have finally made steps to rejoin the rest of the world.

By bowing in respect to the Japanese Emperor, Obama indicated that America no longer sees itself as standing apart from the rest of the world, at odds with it, but that it is making an attempt to rejoin the rest of us so we can ALL move forward towards a better future - as a whole and not scattered into parts.

Of course there are always the detractors, the ones dead-set keen on keeping America as a standalone nation - unwilling to see that by doing so they are alienating themselves from the rest of us, and then they turn around and dare wonder why the world detests them?

Showing respect for other cultures and nations IS NOT a sign of weakness, it shows that America is willing to change it's "bully" image and is willing to listen and respect other nations.

The President of the United States of America should bow to no one. But since he wasn't born in this country, maybe he doesn't know this?

I can't wait until we have a legitimate President again.

[edit on 14-11-2009 by Carseller4]

It is pretty sad when the minimum requirement necessary for me to vote against Obama will be anyone who isn't willing to bow to and kiss the rest of the worlds ass. Obama is pathetic. No American President should bow to anyone. EVER!

Originally posted by 317258186
I'm sorry, as a person very familiar with asian and Japanese formalities, this is a total faux pas. Bows like what Obama has done is done not to show respect, (unlike most of you who think you know the culture), but a sign of acknowledgment of a superior. It's is both inappropriate and embarrassing.

If this is any indication of how some other culture might see another, then might I suggest they see some Dirty Harry movies. They might get a better understanding of our culture.

This is only a suggestion.

Originally posted by HotSauce
No American President should bow to anyone. EVER!

Originally posted by Carseller4
The President of the United States of America should bow to no one.

THIS is why the rest of the world detests Americans. You wanted a reason - LOOK.

The "We bow to nobody cause we are all so damned important and full of ourselves that we shouldn't have to respect other countries THEY SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY RESPECT US" line of thought. Guess what Americans - it's that thought process that keeps the rest of the world rolling it's eyes at you.

This is, by no means, directed at ALL Americans, just the ones who think that Obama shouldn't bow to anyone cause America is the Greatest, The Best, The Bully.....oh....wait.....

It was a bow of respect. Do you actually think for one second Obama considers Akihito his superior? Seriously...

The bow wasn't returned because the Emperor doesnt bow, once again, that's custom. It would be just as disrepectful for Akihito to bow back as it would have been for Obama not to bow at all. If the emperor was visiting the US, I would expect that he would have extended his arm as a greeting as that is the normal custom here in the US.

First of all I am American, for now. It's Japan, so you bow. In Japan, I bow so much that when I come back I bow for a day on accident. It's RESPECTFUL. Obama did the right thing. The problem is most americans are so stupid and backwards they don't understand this. The real problem, which deserves its own thread, is that most americans, british, etc, are so stupid, they don't realize there stupid, and they get angry at people who aren't stupid because there ignorance clouds all things they do or say. I include the British because they do the same things as americans no matter how much they want to pretend they don't. There are stupid people everywhere, japan, germany, italy, etc etc. It's when the majority becomes stupid and disrespectful that it starts spilling over and its not just America believe me.