Obama's bow to the Saudi King

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

If that's the case, he should be reprimanded in some way. However, I don't have a problem with an American actually showing some deference and respect.

Reprimanded by who? No one is above the president...that's why people are getting upset. However, I believe the president is making a point of showing that he will not take orders from anyone, let alone a "protocol office," when he believes in doing things a certain way. I don't think that's necessarily right...things he perhaps sees as no big deal, yet become big distractions, could avoid some controversay if he would just listen to some folks' advice.

I did notice the bow - more like a slight bend at the waist rather than a full bow I'd say - when I first saw the video a week or so ago. For a full second I thought, "Hm, that's not really right," but then I dismissed it as not a big deal. Obama is trying to show respect for other world leaders, and greeting them in the way they are probably greeted by others normally is his way of showing them respect. If people watched the whole video, they'd notice that he said a few words in arabic to the saudi king, also. I'd like to see how he greets the Japanese contingent, because even business leaders are bowed to there.

Bottom line: I would rather have a president who attempts to relate to or honor other countries' customs when in their presence than a president who ignores or insults their culture through ignorance. But that's why I find some of the slights of protocol interesting - Obama goes out of his way to acknowledge the Saudi king in a way he's accustomed to, yet Michelle Obama basically hugs the queen like she's an old chum. It just seems like they would know better than that; perhaps they're getting carried away at some of these events, let their guard down, and forget what they've been "trained" to do. They ARE new at this.

[DiamondAthena]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

Reprimanded by who? No one is above the president...that's why people are getting upset. However, I believe the president is making a point of showing that he will not take orders from anyone, let alone a "protocol office," when he believes in doing things a certain way. I don't think that's necessarily right...things he perhaps sees as no big deal, yet become big distractions, could avoid some controversay if he would just listen to some folks' advice.

I did notice the bow - more like a slight bend at the waist rather than a full bow I'd say - when I first saw the video a week or so ago. For a full second I thought, "Hm, that's not really right," but then I dismissed it as not a big deal. Obama is trying to show respect for other world leaders, and greeting them in the way they are probably greeted by others normally is his way of showing them respect. If people watched the whole video, they'd notice that he said a few words in arabic to the saudi king, also. I'd like to see how he greets the Japanese contingent, because even business leaders are bowed to there.

Bottom line: I would rather have a president who attempts to relate to or honor other countries' customs when in their presence than a president who ignores or insults their culture through ignorance. But that's why I find some of the slights of protocol interesting - Obama goes out of his way to acknowledge the Saudi king in a way he's accustomed to, yet Michelle Obama basically hugs the queen like she's an old chum. It just seems like they would know better than that; perhaps they're getting carried away at some of these events, let their guard down, and forget what they've been "trained" to do. They ARE new at this.

I agree. Neither "breech" of protocol bothers me so much as the stark contrasts of the two; Obamas bow vs. Michelles hug.... Lets just get on one accord ppl, please.

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

Bottom line: I would rather have a president who attempts to relate to or honor other countries' customs when in their presence than a president who ignores or insults their culture through ignorance.

Exactly..."When in Rome, do as the Romans do".

I wonder what people will do and say if Obama goes to Japan? Japan definitely does bowing, when two people meet and greet each other.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

Exactly..."When in Rome, do as the Romans do".

I wonder what people will do and say if Obama goes to Japan? Japan definitely does bowing, when two people meet and greet each other.

I think that there is a height differential when bowing amongst your peers...like your status determines how low you should go to acknowledge the other.