Anyone who doesn't think Prs. Obama bowing to royalty is demeaning...

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Bows in America are not a sign of respectful greeting, as they are in Japan. Actually bowing in Japan has many uses, but for the context in this situation I'm addressing a sign of greeting. Ask any businessman who deals with the Japanese, and many will tell you that they bow to their Japanese customers or partners. I wouldn't bow to any of the people you listed because I can shake hands and it would be just fine. However, were I in Japan and actually got a chance to meet the emperor, you'd bet I'd bow to him. Why? Because that's the custom. Nixon, too, bowed to the emperor of Japan and his wife, along with an accompanying greeting of "Your imperial Majesties". I assume you're angry about that, too. I don't see why, though. Obama bowing doesn't bother me, but it's interesting to note that he got the bow wrong. It was too deep. When you give a bow of greeting (and you're equals) it's supposed to be a slight bend at the waist. He did nod to the empress correctly, though. Seriously, though, Obama needs a new cultural adviser. Bowing wasn't necessarily a bad idea, but he at least ought to have looked into bowing the right way. The Japanese have their own system on this, and bows are not one-size-fits all.

is the usa the same as japan too then? . bowing is normal politeness in japan - even you might if you went there ted, otherwise people would assume you were being rude. now why can we not change what basically seems to be a discussion on a fairly pointless filler story into a good old royal bashing session on which i suspect all the responders so far will agree?

I think his bowing to foreign royalty has a lot to do with his inexperience and lack of knowledge in conducting foreign policy. He's made several major gaffes in his many meetings with the leaders of other nations, including Great Britain, France, Germany, etc... He's given inappropriate gifts, shown too much or too little deference and basically looked like a rookie thrown into the game with no training or warm-up. But it's more than inexperience, it's also arrogance. He obviously has not sought advice and counsel on how to behave, and what is appropriate diplomatic protocol. Not only has he not sought to amend his behavior or brush up on international courtesies, his staff is also remiss in not advising him to do so. But I think that both Obama and his staff believe they are the new, fresh face of politics, that he is important enough that he can do as he pleases and he's charming enough that everyone will love him for his quaint colonial ways. I am afraid this isn't true. He's NOT making a good impression on anyone but Chavez and Castro. No American president should be bowing to ANY leader of any foreign country. I agree that in doing so, he is putting all of us in a position of subjection and deference that is unwarranted. I am more bothered by the bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia than the bow in Japan, where at least bowing has some social significance. But it shouldn't happen anywhere. And to defend you against your critics, who say you simply don't understand Japanese culture and that he was merely being polite, I offer the following: "ABC's Jake Tapper reports that at least one Japanese newspaper is not printing the picture of the president's mortifying bow because the Japanese are embarrassed by his behavior. A scholar of traditional Japan tells Mr. Tapper, "The bow… did not just display weakness in Red State terms, but evoked weakness in Japanese terms… The last thing the Japanese want or need is a weak-looking American president."

Non issue= created by the media! China owns us, it's reality! Get a life! LOL! tdemex

I seen that on foxnews that some of the newscaster criticize Pres. Obama on bowing to the emperor of Japan and King of Saudi Arabia...They said that this action of the good President is not on the protocol. But in my opinion is that bow to someone is not a big deal because that practice is showing respect. I don't know about American people what they understand about bow if bad to bow in front of people that practices good manner in that particular way?

Teddy, you still haven't answered my question yet from weeks ago about obama consorting with the British royals and what your opinion on that one was?

Why is this such a big deal? We are always complaining that some immigrants do not care to assimilate into the societal norms. Why make such a big fuss about some one merely attempting to be friendly? I am multi-lingual and have lived in other nations. I at times greet certain people from some of these nations as I know and remember it being done in their nation, simply as an act of acknowledgement or mere friendship.

When we toured East Asia, we could not communicate with the people who ran the restaurants or those who served us at the hotels. It is their custom to bow, (they do not touch as in shaking hands or hugging)We felt quite out of place just standing there, and soon began to return their bows. This gave us a good feeling, and was in no way demeaning. Do all Americans feel that to bow ( in lieu of a hand shake) is demeaning?

I say when in Rome do as the Romans do. If you are in a country where the traditions and customs are to bow to royalty then you should out of respect for the traditions of that country and that person. If he wants to bow to here in the US then he should but should not feel obligated to, but since that is her culture it is respectful to do so to her when ever he sees her. It is just a sign of respect for somone's culture an for them. On the same token if it was part of our culture to give a high five out of respect and it is part of our culture then I think she sould do that as well out of respect for our culture and respect for our president.

This is ridiculous. Nobody with A BRAIN bows to ANYBODY else - so basically anybody who is bowing to or worshipping another person or entity has an IQ of about 30. I don't do any of those things and I never would because none of those people are above me in any way shape or form. If they want to bow to me, that's fine but I'd be laughing my a$$ off about it because it is UNNECESSARY. Plus I don't need anything so absurd to feel good about myself

Shame on Obama for bowing like that. Makes him look rather silly.

Yes, I think it's no big deal. If Obama, Moore, Palin or Limbaugh were royalty, I would consider bowing to them. Teachers, principals, employers, Mayors, Governors and Sentaors are not royalty... I dont see what the big deal is. Comparing Obama's bow to the Saudi King with bowing to any of the above is like trying to compare apples and oranges. It's been a long long long time ago, so get over it :) Happy myLotting

i have yet to understand why it is such a big deal... people die from lack of food and water, daily, and we are concerned with the president being respectful of someone else's customs????? really?

I'm from the UK. We have a royal family. I'd rather chew my own arms off and stab myself in the face with a compass than bow before any of the wasters... It is absurd that Barrack Obama - or, indeed, anyone else - should be bowing before some shrivelled, toothless auld crone purely because of her birth. Excuse my ignorance: when did this happen?

its not always good to go the same way all of you. atlease there should be some diversity. man.

I am an Orientalist. Bowing is a sign of respect. As we bow to our parents,we also bow to our teachers. It is a form of respect. If protocol dictates that you bow before Emperors and Kings, so be it. What is there to be shy?