Lu Powell wrote:
Bowing to the Japanese emperor by any head of a foreign state is not
customary. Perhaps you can offer proof otherwise. Until you do, I'm
calling BS on you.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/...entry_id=51697
.... and the LA Times showed its total ignorance of Japanese culture, not
even taking time to explain "bow" protocol in Japan, which I know all
too well from my personal interest in Japanese Culture and visit to Japan.
There are three kinds of bows: the first is just about five degrees and
is a greeting for friends; the second is about 10 degrees and is for a
boss or senior in business; but the third one is at a full 15 degrees
and is reserved for heads of state or The Emperor.
Obama's 15 degree bow to The Emperor of Japan was correct.
Not really sure how Bush's gaffes somehow excuses totally inappropriate
behavior by "The One".
There are many opinions, and it seems that the right wing thinks the US
bows to no one (Bowing is showing respect in many cultures.)
This was Bush 50% of the time the other 50 he was holding hands with the
Saudi King.
Hard to tell just what the right wingers want, but following other
cultural guidelines seems to mean little.