Comments on: Japanese Mortified By Obama’s bow? Uhh…..no. http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/ Japan News Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:58:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386646 ponta Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:01 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386646 "The Fox News poll said that 67 percent of Americans thought [the bow] was a good thing for him to have done, http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/23/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5749826.shtml “The Fox News poll said that 67 percent of Americans thought [the bow] was a good thing for him to have done,

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/23/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5749826.shtml

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386642 Carlos Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:20:06 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386642 ....Even if it means making a total ass of yourself! ….Even if it means making a total ass of yourself!

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]]> By: Ryuubu http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386613 Ryuubu Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:44:04 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386613 Congratualtions, Obama! I'm proud of you for breaking the mould and doing what you feel! Congratualtions, Obama!

I’m proud of you for breaking the mould and doing what you feel!

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386504 The Overthinker Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:42:25 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386504 (I think my comment here is stuck in the spam filter - as it had an URL in it, perhaps....) (I think my comment here is stuck in the spam filter – as it had an URL in it, perhaps….)

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386497 Carlos Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:20:02 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386497 "Byron" I hardly fit the profile of Redneck. But for you to say that someone or anyone that is a Conservative of a Traditionalist or believes in those tenants are "Rednecks" I think one could take it that YOU are the racist or biased one. For you to label everyone that believes in Conservatism is basically a "NUT" goes to show how immature you are. If you want to label a certain individual or many, I understand, but ALL-is kinda taking it a stretch, don't you think? I have many liberal friends, on most issues I think they're off base, but I don't think that they're uneducated. Not well thought out perhaps, but uneducated.... “Byron” I hardly fit the profile of Redneck. But for you to say that someone or anyone that is a Conservative of a Traditionalist or believes in those tenants are “Rednecks” I think one could take it that YOU are the racist or biased one. For you to label everyone that believes in Conservatism is basically a “NUT” goes to show how immature you are. If you want to label a certain individual or many, I understand, but ALL-is kinda taking it a stretch, don’t you think?

I have many liberal friends, on most issues I think they’re off base, but I don’t think that they’re uneducated. Not well thought out perhaps, but uneducated….

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386496 The Overthinker Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:16:03 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386496 The one thing I can never forgive the (religious) right for is their support for Creationism. The one thing I can never forgive the (religious) right for is their support for Creationism.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386495 The Overthinker Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:09:31 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386495 "if there is ANY country that can quickly get bent out of shape its Japan, hands down, no competition there!" You mean aside from Korea and China, to take only the two closest examples? "...the fact that she is popular, is polarizing and a lot and I do mean, a lot of people like her." Likewise, this has no bearing on her intelligence and knowledge. In fact there is often an inverse relationship. Regarding Obama's drop to below 50%, there are a few facts that need adding: ---------- "Obama now is the fourth fastest to drop below the majority approval level, doing so in his 10th month on the job. Gerald Ford dropped below 50% approval during his third month in office, and Bill Clinton did so in his fourth month. Ronald Reagan, like Obama, also dropped below 50% in his 10th month in office, though Reagan's drop occurred a few days sooner in that month." --------- http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/11/gallup_obamas_approval_rating_1.html So is Obama then a slightly better President than Ron? It goes on to say, ---------- Gallup has been doing presidential approval polling since the Truman administration, and it says "all presidents except John Kennedy dropped below the majority approval level at some point in their presidencies, and all recovered after the first time below this mark to go back above 50% approval." ---------- So Obama is in no way an outlier. People are fickle, impatient, and time will tell. “if there is ANY country that can quickly get bent out of shape its Japan, hands down, no competition there!”

You mean aside from Korea and China, to take only the two closest examples?

“…the fact that she is popular, is polarizing and a lot and I do mean, a lot of people like her.”

Likewise, this has no bearing on her intelligence and knowledge. In fact there is often an inverse relationship.

Regarding Obama’s drop to below 50%, there are a few facts that need adding:
———-
“Obama now is the fourth fastest to drop below the majority approval level, doing so in his 10th month on the job. Gerald Ford dropped below 50% approval during his third month in office, and Bill Clinton did so in his fourth month. Ronald Reagan, like Obama, also dropped below 50% in his 10th month in office, though Reagan’s drop occurred a few days sooner in that month.”
———
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/11/gallup_obamas_approval_rating_1.html
So is Obama then a slightly better President than Ron?
It goes on to say,
———-
Gallup has been doing presidential approval polling since the Truman administration, and it says “all presidents except John Kennedy dropped below the majority approval level at some point in their presidencies, and all recovered after the first time below this mark to go back above 50% approval.”
———-
So Obama is in no way an outlier. People are fickle, impatient, and time will tell.

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386494 Carlos Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:56:36 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386494 I totally disagree with your view on Hannity and FOX in general, but I seriously respect your opinion (even on this issue) personally, I think both parties suck, that is why I became an Independent a few years ago. It was the best choice I ever made. But On the other hand, coming from California and living in San Francisco for a couple of years and seeing how radical the far leftist can be, scares the crap out of me. I just don't want to see the US go down that road. Has nothing to do with having conservative values, not to be confused with being a traditionalist. But again, that is just my opinion, just like you have yours. No problem here. I totally disagree with your view on Hannity and FOX in general, but I seriously respect your opinion (even on this issue) personally, I think both parties suck, that is why I became an Independent a few years ago. It was the best choice I ever made. But On the other hand, coming from California and living in San Francisco for a couple of years and seeing how radical the far leftist can be, scares the crap out of me.
I just don’t want to see the US go down that road. Has nothing to do with having conservative values, not to be confused with being a traditionalist.
But again, that is just my opinion, just like you have yours. No problem here.

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386492 Carlos Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:48:55 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386492 Well for one, liking Palin or not is a personal issue, but it doesn't change the fact that she is popular, is polarizing and a lot and I do mean, a lot of people like her. She most certainly is a threat to the liberal base, no doubt about it. But at least the woman doesn't need a teleprompter to make a point. She was a Mayor, governor of Alaska and before any whiny loons jump on me, yes-she did leave early, but it was a gamble that paid off for her so far. But at least FOX news brings something that most of the adoring, loving Nobama won't...and that is opposing views. Some people fail to realize there is a segment of Americans that ARE NOT happy with the out of control spending this President is putting the country through. He can't blame Bush, Bush is out of office, retired. This is all Obama and he needs to take responsibility for it. His approval numbers are in the tank. I think without FOX, all the media would lead the country like wild Sheep. Being able to voice ones opinion is good and needed to have balance in debates, conversations etc. America is not perfect, no country is, but Obama is taking the country in a direction that many people don't like and that's a fact. And please don't even talk about Americans getting bent out of shape over the littlest things. I have been living in Japan for 11 years, if there is ANY country that can quickly get bent out of shape its Japan, hands down, no competition there! Well for one, liking Palin or not is a personal issue, but it doesn’t change the fact that she is popular, is polarizing and a lot and I do mean, a lot of people like her. She most certainly is a threat to the liberal base, no doubt about it. But at least the woman doesn’t need a teleprompter to make a point.
She was a Mayor, governor of Alaska and before any whiny loons jump on me, yes-she did leave early, but it was a gamble that paid off for her so far.
But at least FOX news brings something that most of the adoring, loving Nobama won’t…and that is opposing views. Some people fail to realize there is a segment of Americans that ARE NOT happy with the out of control spending this President is putting the country through. He can’t blame Bush, Bush is out of office, retired. This is all Obama and he needs to take responsibility for it. His approval numbers are in the tank.
I think without FOX, all the media would lead the country like wild Sheep.
Being able to voice ones opinion is good and needed to have balance in debates, conversations etc. America is not perfect, no country is, but Obama is taking the country in a direction that many people don’t like and that’s a fact.
And please don’t even talk about Americans getting bent out of shape over the littlest things. I have been living in Japan for 11 years, if there is ANY country that can quickly get bent out of shape its Japan, hands down, no competition there!

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]]> By: James http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386477 James Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:42:40 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386477 Its just fucking a bow. Why is this such big issue? Its just fucking a bow. Why is this such big issue?

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]]> By: Yuna http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386473 Yuna Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:54:39 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386473 Great comment! People in the USA get too bent out of shape about the smallest things. More of them need to travel and learn about other cultures and customs before they open their mouths about stuff like this because the rest of the world is laughing at their stupidity!! (not all Americans of course, some are actually tolerable) People who believe everything Fox News and all the mainstream media stations tell them show how ignorance and stupidity reign supreme in this country. Just look at how many people supported that ignoramus Sarah Palin!!! Great comment! People in the USA get too bent out of shape about the smallest things. More of them need to travel and learn about other cultures and customs before they open their mouths about stuff like this because the rest of the world is laughing at their stupidity!! (not all Americans of course, some are actually tolerable) People who believe everything Fox News and all the mainstream media stations tell them show how ignorance and stupidity reign supreme in this country. Just look at how many people supported that ignoramus Sarah Palin!!!

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386471 The Overthinker Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:49:10 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386471 Which was my point. No matter how stupid Obama might get, people like Hannity, who make their living from being controversial, are even worse. Like Rush Limbaugh. Bill O'Reilly and his“I don't care about the Constitution!”outburst. To say nothing of the venom that drips from Ann Coulter. This level of sheer spite and invective, coupled with a conservative religious viewpoint, is why I can never support the right-wing commentators even when I think the left is nuts. Which was my point. No matter how stupid Obama might get, people like Hannity, who make their living from being controversial, are even worse. Like Rush Limbaugh. Bill O’Reilly and his“I don’t care about the Constitution!”outburst. To say nothing of the venom that drips from Ann Coulter. This level of sheer spite and invective, coupled with a conservative religious viewpoint, is why I can never support the right-wing commentators even when I think the left is nuts.

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]]> By: helical http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386469 helical Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:34:37 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386469 You do realize Obama being a clown and Hannity being an ass are in no ways mutually exclusive, right? You do realize Obama being a clown and Hannity being an ass are in no ways mutually exclusive, right?

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]]> By: byron http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386468 byron Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:24:51 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386468 well said. Fox news is just entertainment for the redneck element in our country. And rednecks come in all shapes, sizes, socio-economic backgrounds. Sometimes even education doesn't help. My grandparents, from the Deep South, had a saying...Ignorance can be cured with education, STUPID will stay with you! well said. Fox news is just entertainment for the redneck element in our country. And rednecks come in all shapes, sizes, socio-economic backgrounds. Sometimes even education doesn’t help. My grandparents, from the Deep South, had a saying…Ignorance can be cured with education, STUPID will stay with you!

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386467 Carlos Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:21:18 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386467 Overthinker, with all due respect, you usually are the voice of reason and most of the time you bring wisdom and thoughtful insight to the issues usually, this NOT being one of them. Overthinker, with all due respect, you usually are the voice of reason and most of the time you bring wisdom and thoughtful insight to the issues usually, this NOT being one of them.

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]]> By: byron http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386466 byron Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:19:34 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386466 bowing to an elderly gentelman in Japan is normal. Bowing to the Emperor, who is head of the religion, Shinto, is also a sign of respect, and is normal. There is no loss of face. Why are good manners reviled in this country? Shaking the hand of the Emperor is a newer innovation, since his person is sacrosanct, but I assume he offered his hand in defference to his Western guest. As Americans, we could learn more about the rext of the world, it's customs, history, culture, and beauty. But it's difficult to see anything when you have your head up your a##. Fox news is not..it's just entertainment for the right wing lemmings of our country who revel in willfull ignorance. bowing to an elderly gentelman in Japan is normal. Bowing to the Emperor, who is head of the religion, Shinto, is also a sign of respect, and is normal. There is no loss of face. Why are good manners reviled in this country? Shaking the hand of the Emperor is a newer innovation, since his person is sacrosanct, but I assume he offered his hand in defference to his Western guest. As Americans, we could learn more about the rext of the world, it’s customs, history, culture, and beauty. But it’s difficult to see anything when you have your head up your a##. Fox news is not..it’s just entertainment for the right wing lemmings of our country who revel in willfull ignorance.

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]]> By: CH http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386436 CH Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:03:50 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386436 Exactly. My wife is a Japanese national and I heard nothing about this, I just knew he was here in Japan for a bit. I totally agree with you that this really wasn't as big as a deal as most seem to make it. I've screwed up couple of times doing traditions, but it was never a big deal with her family. They know I try and they greatly appreciate that. They accept the fact that these traditions are foreign to me and I'm sure the majority of Japan feels the same way. It's just funny how I see other Americans think they know everything about the world, yet most haven't even been outside of the country. Exactly. My wife is a Japanese national and I heard nothing about this, I just knew he was here in Japan for a bit. I totally agree with you that this really wasn’t as big as a deal as most seem to make it. I’ve screwed up couple of times doing traditions, but it was never a big deal with her family. They know I try and they greatly appreciate that. They accept the fact that these traditions are foreign to me and I’m sure the majority of Japan feels the same way. It’s just funny how I see other Americans think they know everything about the world, yet most haven’t even been outside of the country.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386430 The Overthinker Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:55:29 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386430 Obama could pin a tail on his butt and shout "hee-haw" and Hannity would still be the ass. Obama could pin a tail on his butt and shout “hee-haw” and Hannity would still be the ass.

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]]> By: LB http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386425 LB Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:31:07 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386425 @ Rune - actually I believe the more apt description is "Fundamentalist Christian Right Wing" and "Right Wing". @ Rune – actually I believe the more apt description is “Fundamentalist Christian Right Wing” and “Right Wing”.

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]]> By: Rune http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386423 Rune Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:23:08 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386423 Seen from the perspective of a Scandinavian wellfare state, you do not HAVE a left wing in US politics, just far right and moderate right. Seen from the perspective of a Scandinavian wellfare state, you do not HAVE a left wing in US politics, just far right and moderate right.

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]]> By: Rune http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386422 Rune Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:13:53 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386422 <i>Why? Because the UK PM is NOT the most powerful influential free leader of the world for one.</i> Isn't it time you guys got off the American Excellence trip? Pay your debts to China and we'll start listening to you again here in Europe. Untill then, you come off as whiny petulant children. Why? Because the UK PM is NOT the most powerful influential free leader of the world for one.

Isn’t it time you guys got off the American Excellence trip? Pay your debts to China and we’ll start listening to you again here in Europe. Untill then, you come off as whiny petulant children.

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]]> By: Rune http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386421 Rune Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:46 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386421 Trufux wrote: <i>"46 world leaders only shook hands with the Emperor and had they bowed their citizens would object as well."</i> I bow to you. You are a singular greatness amongst men! To have the anthropological and socio-historical insight to be able to tell how the citizens of 46 nations would react to this hypothetical and the magnamity of spirit to share these TRUTHS with us, the unwashed hoi poloi, magnificent! It is a good thing that the PM of Denmark met up with Obama in Singapore and didn't go to Japan to meet the emperor, in which case you would have to say <i>"47 world leaders only shook hands with the Emperor and had they bowed <b>the citizens of 46 of the nations</b> would object as well."</i> which would have you forced to explain this caveat. I am truely glad that didn't happen. From Denmark with love. Rune Trufux wrote:
“46 world leaders only shook hands with the Emperor and had they bowed their citizens would object as well.”

I bow to you. You are a singular greatness amongst men! To have the anthropological and socio-historical insight to be able to tell how the citizens of 46 nations would react to this hypothetical and the magnamity of spirit to share these TRUTHS with us, the unwashed hoi poloi, magnificent! It is a good thing that the PM of Denmark met up with Obama in Singapore and didn’t go to Japan to meet the emperor, in which case you would have to say “47 world leaders only shook hands with the Emperor and had they bowed the citizens of 46 of the nations would object as well.” which would have you forced to explain this caveat. I am truely glad that didn’t happen.

From Denmark with love.

Rune

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]]> By: tensigh http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386415 tensigh Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:28:29 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386415 Nobama tells us the economy's recovering with rising unemployment and you call Hannity a clown? Get it right! Nobama tells us the economy’s recovering with rising unemployment and you call Hannity a clown? Get it right!

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386405 The Overthinker Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:01:21 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386405 Why, in a free market, would the media be 99% left-wing? Surely any media station that does not cater to the masses will fail. Ergo, the greater number of left wing media indicates a greater number of people who want left wing media. Of course the figure is nowhere near 99%, and claiming it is just weakens the argument. There's also the issue of what left wing really is - to a radical right-winger, pretty much everything is left, event that which to a more moderate person would seem right wing. Why, in a free market, would the media be 99% left-wing? Surely any media station that does not cater to the masses will fail. Ergo, the greater number of left wing media indicates a greater number of people who want left wing media. Of course the figure is nowhere near 99%, and claiming it is just weakens the argument. There’s also the issue of what left wing really is – to a radical right-winger, pretty much everything is left, event that which to a more moderate person would seem right wing.

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]]> By: William George http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386401 William George Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:29:33 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386401 <i>"do not pay attention to the biased US Leftist liberal media, that only exists in the minds of me and a large number of people with tinfoil hats."</i> There, fixed it for you. “do not pay attention to the biased US Leftist liberal media, that only exists in the minds of me and a large number of people with tinfoil hats.”

There, fixed it for you.

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]]> By: Ajapa http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386395 Ajapa Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:08:09 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386395 The War on Drugs = a CIA Conspiracy! The War on Drugs = a CIA Conspiracy!

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]]> By: pipkins http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386392 pipkins Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:54:03 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386392 Typical bit of Orientalism. The Americans assume that the Japanese are going to be totally up themselves about etiquette, and the Japanese couldn't give a damn. Sums up Japanology in a nutshell, really. Typical bit of Orientalism. The Americans assume that the Japanese are going to be totally up themselves about etiquette, and the Japanese couldn’t give a damn.

Sums up Japanology in a nutshell, really.

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]]> By: Ajapa http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386387 Ajapa Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:25:02 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386387 <cite>Or is it more like the Japanese people don’t care if anyone bows correctly (even their own leaders) during public appearances?</cite> I'm not certain but I think it is usually not important if she/he can bow correctly unless intentional disrespectful behaviour is observed. The situation might be slightly different if it were an arrogant person known to have anti-Japanese sentiment, in that right-wing media must have raged. Or is it more like the Japanese people don’t care if anyone bows correctly (even their own leaders) during public appearances?

I’m not certain but I think it is usually not important if she/he can bow correctly unless intentional disrespectful behaviour is observed. The situation might be slightly different if it were an arrogant person known to have anti-Japanese sentiment, in that right-wing media must have raged.

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]]> By: God http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386384 God Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:34:16 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386384 GUYS, Guys, guys... The answer to everything is CHEESE. GUYS, Guys, guys…

The answer to everything is CHEESE.

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]]> By: Eddie http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386374 Eddie Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:52:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386374 Obama bowed before the EMPEROR of Japan IN JAPAN. He was merely showing respect. Besides, surely ever knows that Emperor is a higher position than President? Obama bowed before the EMPEROR of Japan IN JAPAN.

He was merely showing respect.

Besides, surely ever knows that Emperor is a higher position than President?

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]]> By: slayer http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386372 slayer Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:25:29 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386372 Hi should have continued on his bow to reach Akihito's crotch and give him a blowjob Hi should have continued on his bow to reach Akihito’s crotch and give him a blowjob

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]]> By: James http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386351 James Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:21:45 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386351 Weirdo: Too late. I gave him a chance by telling him I deleted one comment because it contained childish insults. He responded with two more comments that contained nothing but childish insults. [His first comment about being "censored" may have been a reaction to one of his comments got rejected by the automatic spam filter plugin, which he likely interpreted to be some amazingly efficient way in which I "filter reality" to prevent anti-Obama comments.] I have a pretty high tolerance for mean spirited comments, but kindergarten level insults are absolutely worthless. LB: Unless Obama does anything Japan-related any time soon, there probably won't be any political posts about him. Weirdo:

Too late. I gave him a chance by telling him I deleted one comment because it contained childish insults. He responded with two more comments that contained nothing but childish insults.

[His first comment about being "censored" may have been a reaction to one of his comments got rejected by the automatic spam filter plugin, which he likely interpreted to be some amazingly efficient way in which I "filter reality" to prevent anti-Obama comments.]

I have a pretty high tolerance for mean spirited comments, but kindergarten level insults are absolutely worthless.

LB:

Unless Obama does anything Japan-related any time soon, there probably won’t be any political posts about him.

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386350 Carlos Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:19:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386350 Why? Because the UK PM is NOT the most powerful influential free leader of the world for one. And the other, the US President is screwing up on a major level. This is why Americans are obsessed! Why? Because the UK PM is NOT the most powerful influential free leader of the world for one. And the other, the US President is screwing up on a major level. This is why Americans are obsessed!

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386349 Carlos Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:14:09 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386349 You mean, do not pay attention to the 99% biased US Leftist liberal media, that includes MSNBC. There. I fixed it for you! :) You mean, do not pay attention to the 99% biased US Leftist liberal media, that includes MSNBC. There. I fixed it for you! :)

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]]> By: LB http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386342 LB Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:59:08 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386342 James, I am going to have to agree in part with Dave Hamilton here - let's go back to the youtube vids or something, <i>anything</i> else but Obama. Not because the topic to hand is not important, it is, but because topics like this seem to simply serve as a giant retard magnet and cause the sludge at the bottom of the gene pool to feel it has to come up and make its presence known. James, I am going to have to agree in part with Dave Hamilton here – let’s go back to the youtube vids or something, anything else but Obama. Not because the topic to hand is not important, it is, but because topics like this seem to simply serve as a giant retard magnet and cause the sludge at the bottom of the gene pool to feel it has to come up and make its presence known.

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]]> By: Weirdo http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386341 Weirdo Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:55:31 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386341 Dave, I don't think James is really trying to censor you. You're just breaching the discussion policy. <blockquote>No personal attacks on other posters in the comment threads. If you disagree with somebody, go after their argument instead of attacking the person who wrote it</blockquote> ^^Stop that and I'm sure your comments'll get through. Dave, I don’t think James is really trying to censor you. You’re just breaching the discussion policy.

No personal attacks on other posters in the comment threads. If you disagree with somebody, go after their argument instead of attacking the person who wrote it

^^Stop that and I’m sure your comments’ll get through.

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386340 Carlos Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:55:10 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386340 Good point. I think it is more of a sign of religious or more specifically a spiritual show of respect, rather than a state, symbolic or royalty one. Good point. I think it is more of a sign of religious or more specifically a spiritual show of respect, rather than a state, symbolic or royalty one.

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386339 Carlos Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:51:54 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386339 I think so too. What he meant was that Keith Olbermann and his trusty side kick Rachel Maddow are THE biggest liars in TV history. For that matter the whole of NBC. (National Barack Channel) I think so too. What he meant was that Keith Olbermann and his trusty side kick Rachel Maddow are THE biggest liars in TV history. For that matter the whole of NBC. (National Barack Channel)

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]]> By: Carlos http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386338 Carlos Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:47:45 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386338 Maybe Obama should have done a fist bump. I don't want to belabor the point again, but this is getting a bit out of hand. Personally, I hated that Obama bowed, but be that as it may, now to hear the Japanese complaining that he didn't bow properly just goes to show as to why he shouldn't have done it in the first place! This way NO ONE can complain. I mean, should Obama have taken a crash course in "bowing" before he came to Japan? I'm not trying to defend the man, but you have to admit this is so over the top ridiculous especially hearing it from the Japanese Press. For Christ's sake, the Emperor is a man, NOT a GOD! Maybe Obama should have done a fist bump. I don’t want to belabor the point again, but this is getting a bit out of hand. Personally, I hated that Obama bowed, but be that as it may, now to hear the Japanese complaining that he didn’t bow properly just goes to show as to why he shouldn’t have done it in the first place!

This way NO ONE can complain. I mean, should Obama have taken a crash course in “bowing” before he came to Japan? I’m not trying to defend the man, but you have to admit this is so over the top ridiculous especially hearing it from the Japanese Press. For Christ’s sake, the Emperor is a man, NOT a GOD!

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]]> By: James http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386332 James Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:51:57 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386332 Dave: The only comment of yours that I have moderated and removed is one that was nothing but childish insults to other users. If that's your idea of proper argument, I suggest you go leave comments on other sites that better mold with your amazing worldview. Dave:

The only comment of yours that I have moderated and removed is one that was nothing but childish insults to other users. If that’s your idea of proper argument, I suggest you go leave comments on other sites that better mold with your amazing worldview.

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]]> By: Dave Hamilton http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386330 Dave Hamilton Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:45:18 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386330 My comments are now being moderated so I will offer no further argument here. The site owner has every right to filter out comments that disagree with his worldview. My comments are now being moderated so I will offer no further argument here. The site owner has every right to filter out comments that disagree with his worldview.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386327 The Overthinker Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:49:45 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386327 Pay attention in class then. Bowing is not undignified. Obama's bow was not executed all that well though. Do you see the difference? And would you even admit it if you did? "Your attack is a classic straw man argument." What's the straw man? Oh, and I love the way you snuck "status" into your argument, when it was orginally just about dignity. "Rank confers dignity." Crap. Rank merely commands dignity. Dignity can exist irrespective of rank. "I have nothing but respect for our Japanese allies, but this is not a subject that requires their input." Well, aren't you patronizing.... Obama was following Japanese custom, not American. Japanese customs were not designed based on American ideals. So seeing how the Japanese see his bow gives it that cultural context you so obviously lack. "At least you weren't so stupid as to challenge the fact, though." Thank you for the generous concession and blatant implication that I was stupid in the rest of my post. Pay attention in class then. Bowing is not undignified. Obama’s bow was not executed all that well though. Do you see the difference? And would you even admit it if you did?

“Your attack is a classic straw man argument.”

What’s the straw man? Oh, and I love the way you snuck “status” into your argument, when it was orginally just about dignity.

“Rank confers dignity.”

Crap. Rank merely commands dignity. Dignity can exist irrespective of rank.

“I have nothing but respect for our Japanese allies, but this is not a subject that requires their input.”

Well, aren’t you patronizing…. Obama was following Japanese custom, not American. Japanese customs were not designed based on American ideals. So seeing how the Japanese see his bow gives it that cultural context you so obviously lack.

“At least you weren’t so stupid as to challenge the fact, though.”

Thank you for the generous concession and blatant implication that I was stupid in the rest of my post.

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]]> By: Dave Hamilton http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386323 Dave Hamilton Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:04:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386323 "If I was marking you in Japanese Culture 101 and you wrote that, it would be a fail. Bowing lower in Japan means you are conceding a higher rank to the other person. It has NOTHING to do with dignity. Surely if you know “Japanese Culture 101″ you should also know that dignity is very important, no matter what your rank." Which is it? Bowing doesn't reflect dignity and status, or it does only when President Obama isn't the one doing it? Your attack is a classic straw man argument. Rank confers dignity. Your class grade would be as worthwhile as taking a Nova course. "Sounds like you’d like everyone else to grovel before the President…." I don't expect anyone to grovel before the President. Ideally, the President would observe a protocol that treated our allies as respected equals. Instead, either through ignorance or disrespect of his own borrowed status conferred by election, he chose to bow lower to a foreign dignitary. At least you weren't so stupid as to challenge the fact, though. Now, in 20 years, China will be the greatest power and we'll all get to kiss our shoetops. ". . .if you read the comments here from Japanese, you’ll see they felt it showed great respect. And people respect those who show them respect." I have nothing but respect for our Japanese allies, but this is not a subject that requires their input. Obama the person can greet people however he sees fit, but Obama the 44th President of the United States should do so with the dignity of the citizenry that he represents in mind at all times. “If I was marking you in Japanese Culture 101 and you wrote that, it would be a fail. Bowing lower in Japan means you are conceding a higher rank to the other person. It has NOTHING to do with dignity. Surely if you know “Japanese Culture 101″ you should also know that dignity is very important, no matter what your rank.”

Which is it? Bowing doesn’t reflect dignity and status, or it does only when President Obama isn’t the one doing it? Your attack is a classic straw man argument. Rank confers dignity. Your class grade would be as worthwhile as taking a Nova course.

“Sounds like you’d like everyone else to grovel before the President….”

I don’t expect anyone to grovel before the President. Ideally, the President would observe a protocol that treated our allies as respected equals. Instead, either through ignorance or disrespect of his own borrowed status conferred by election, he chose to bow lower to a foreign dignitary. At least you weren’t so stupid as to challenge the fact, though. Now, in 20 years, China will be the greatest power and we’ll all get to kiss our shoetops.

“. . .if you read the comments here from Japanese, you’ll see they felt it showed great respect. And people respect those who show them respect.”

I have nothing but respect for our Japanese allies, but this is not a subject that requires their input. Obama the person can greet people however he sees fit, but Obama the 44th President of the United States should do so with the dignity of the citizenry that he represents in mind at all times.

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]]> By: Weirdo http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386322 Weirdo Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:57:17 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386322 ( ﾟ∀ﾟ)o彡°スキャンダル！スキャンダル！ ( ﾟ∀ﾟ)o彡°スキャンダル！スキャンダル！

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]]> By: helical http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386321 helical Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:54:45 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386321 Well, if that's what they tell you in 101, 102 should need to clarify that that is a gross simplification, even a misrepresentation of the matter. In terms of Japanese (East Asian) customs, bowing is used for a range of things from a simple gretting, apologies, expressing gratitude, etc. Though wikipedia writes about it in greter detail, it's basically showing respect, and the depth of the bow means how much you want to show respect the other person. I don't think showing respect for others means giving up your own dignity. Saying "you're cool" to someone doesn't automatically imply you mean "I'm not cool". Now, I agree with the opinion that it was an awkward moment and it could have been planned or rehearsed a lot better. It was unusually deep, and manner how-to texts say that simultaneously bowing and hand-shaking is awkward and should be considered a faux pas. In that sense, yes Obama bungled it. But what I don't agree with are the other reasons given for why bowing was a mistake for Obama, that bowing is automatically equivalent to obeisance. That's the angle that a lot of critics in the media are focusing on, which certainly has more shock-value, but isn't necessarily accurate. Well, if that’s what they tell you in 101, 102 should need to clarify that that is a gross simplification, even a misrepresentation of the matter.
In terms of Japanese (East Asian) customs, bowing is used for a range of things from a simple gretting, apologies, expressing gratitude, etc. Though wikipedia writes about it in greter detail, it’s basically showing respect, and the depth of the bow means how much you want to show respect the other person.
I don’t think showing respect for others means giving up your own dignity. Saying “you’re cool” to someone doesn’t automatically imply you mean “I’m not cool”.

Now, I agree with the opinion that it was an awkward moment and it could have been planned or rehearsed a lot better. It was unusually deep, and manner how-to texts say that simultaneously bowing and hand-shaking is awkward and should be considered a faux pas. In that sense, yes Obama bungled it.
But what I don’t agree with are the other reasons given for why bowing was a mistake for Obama, that bowing is automatically equivalent to obeisance. That’s the angle that a lot of critics in the media are focusing on, which certainly has more shock-value, but isn’t necessarily accurate.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386319 The Overthinker Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:17:02 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386319 "Bowing more deeply than the other person is conceding one’s dignity: that's Japanese culture 101." If I was marking you in Japanese Culture 101 and you wrote that, it would be a fail. Bowing lower in Japan means you are conceding a higher rank to the other person. It has NOTHING to do with dignity. Surely if you know "Japanese Culture 101" you should also know that dignity is very important, no matter what your rank. Now, Obama's bow was not that dignified, but that has nothing to with the fact he did bow or even the angle. It was rather clumsy, especially with that handshake, but if you read the comments here from Japanese, you'll see they felt it showed great respect. And people respect those who show them respect. "The American president is the representative of the most powerful economic and military force in the history of mankind." Sounds like you'd like everyone else to grovel before the President.... “Bowing more deeply than the other person is conceding one’s dignity: that’s Japanese culture 101.”

If I was marking you in Japanese Culture 101 and you wrote that, it would be a fail. Bowing lower in Japan means you are conceding a higher rank to the other person. It has NOTHING to do with dignity. Surely if you know “Japanese Culture 101″ you should also know that dignity is very important, no matter what your rank.

Now, Obama’s bow was not that dignified, but that has nothing to with the fact he did bow or even the angle. It was rather clumsy, especially with that handshake, but if you read the comments here from Japanese, you’ll see they felt it showed great respect. And people respect those who show them respect.

“The American president is the representative of the most powerful economic and military force in the history of mankind.”

Sounds like you’d like everyone else to grovel before the President….

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]]> By: DB http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386318 DB Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:44 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386318 As a Japanese, I'm strongly believe that our people were not mortified by Obama's bow to the Emperor at all. Neither do I think that the bow made Obama (or the US) look weaker in any sense. I personally feel that President Obama just tried his best to respect our traditional way of greeting (and it worked very well). Look at the Emperor's face. He smiled at President Obama's bow, which I interpret the Emperor wholeheartedly welcomed his visit to Japan. Some American media's overreaction is simply ridiculous. As a Japanese, I’m strongly believe that our people were not mortified by Obama’s bow to the Emperor at all. Neither do I think that the bow made Obama (or the US) look weaker in any sense.

I personally feel that President Obama just tried his best to respect our traditional way of greeting (and it worked very well). Look at the Emperor’s face. He smiled at President Obama’s bow, which I interpret the Emperor wholeheartedly welcomed his visit to Japan. Some American media’s overreaction is simply ridiculous.

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]]> By: Dave Hamilton http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386317 Dave Hamilton Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:50:05 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386317 Bowing more deeply than the other person is conceding one's dignity: that's Japanese culture 101. If the President did not understand that aspect of bowing he should not have attempted it and should have satisfied protocol with a Western handshake, if the Emperor was agreeable, or a simple nod, smile, and a side-by-side photo opportunity which would satisfy both cultures without imposing one over the other. Does the President misunderstand bowing--an oversight of protocol which trivializes our relations with Japan--or is he not aware of the gravity of his position? I don't know but the outcome is the same: the bow was uncalled for. In any event, the tone of both posts on this subject on this blog is that the story is big in the U.S. because evil Fox News and the right-wing rednecks are at it again. My point is that you're wrong and there's a reasonable, non-partisan reason for expecting better representation from whomever is the President. Bowing more deeply than the other person is conceding one’s dignity: that’s Japanese culture 101. If the President did not understand that aspect of bowing he should not have attempted it and should have satisfied protocol with a Western handshake, if the Emperor was agreeable, or a simple nod, smile, and a side-by-side photo opportunity which would satisfy both cultures without imposing one over the other.

Does the President misunderstand bowing–an oversight of protocol which trivializes our relations with Japan–or is he not aware of the gravity of his position? I don’t know but the outcome is the same: the bow was uncalled for.

In any event, the tone of both posts on this subject on this blog is that the story is big in the U.S. because evil Fox News and the right-wing rednecks are at it again. My point is that you’re wrong and there’s a reasonable, non-partisan reason for expecting better representation from whomever is the President.

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]]> By: markh http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386314 markh Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:59:33 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386314 I can assure you that if an English figurehead bowed low to the J-Emporer it wouldn't raise so much as an eyebrow back in the UK. Why? Because this is an American obsession alone. I can assure you that if an English figurehead bowed low to the J-Emporer it wouldn’t raise so much as an eyebrow back in the UK.

Why?

Because this is an American obsession alone.

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]]> By: helical http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386313 helical Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:57:51 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386313 The basis for the disagreement here is whether bowing should be perceived as conceding one's dignity. I'd previously thought it was pretty obvious it wasn't, but I guess a lot of people (at least in the United States) disagrees with that assertion. Or is pretending to disagree just to carp on Obama. The basis for the disagreement here is whether bowing should be perceived as conceding one’s dignity.
I’d previously thought it was pretty obvious it wasn’t, but I guess a lot of people (at least in the United States) disagrees with that assertion. Or is pretending to disagree just to carp on Obama.

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]]> By: pixel_bomber http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386311 pixel_bomber Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:27:49 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386311 Yes I understand this post is saying that the Japanese media did not care at all about the Obama bowing incident. I was trying to figure out if that was based on the fact that the person was not Japanese and is therefore not expected to know what to in this particular situation. Or is it more like the Japanese people don't care if anyone bows correctly (even their own leaders) during public appearances? I just assumed that if a Japanese leader did exactly the same thing the Japanese media would question it. Sorry for the confusion. Yes I understand this post is saying that the Japanese media did not care at all about the Obama bowing incident.
I was trying to figure out if that was based on the fact that the person was not Japanese and is therefore not expected to know what to in this particular situation. Or is it more like the Japanese people don’t care if anyone bows correctly (even their own leaders) during public appearances? I just assumed that if a Japanese leader did exactly the same thing the Japanese media would question it.
Sorry for the confusion.

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]]> By: Dave Hamilton http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386308 Dave Hamilton Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:57:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386308 I like this website, not the least because due to its subject material the rancor of American politic philosophy is not usually on display. However, in this case you are showing your rear end. The American president is the representative of the most powerful economic and military force in the history of mankind. Whichever well-heeled partisan holds the office is irrelevant to how they should represent American citizens when greeting a head of state. This is a popular story in the United States because the majority of the citizenry believes that our elected president should never concede our dignity when greeting representatives of foreign powers. I like this website, not the least because due to its subject material the rancor of American politic philosophy is not usually on display. However, in this case you are showing your rear end.

The American president is the representative of the most powerful economic and military force in the history of mankind. Whichever well-heeled partisan holds the office is irrelevant to how they should represent American citizens when greeting a head of state. This is a popular story in the United States because the majority of the citizenry believes that our elected president should never concede our dignity when greeting representatives of foreign powers.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386304 The Overthinker Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:30:12 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386304 But to the American that confuses Japan and China, the Opium Wars are like, what is that dude, the War on Drugs? But to the American that confuses Japan and China, the Opium Wars are like, what is that dude, the War on Drugs?

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]]> By: Ajapa http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386303 Ajapa Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:52:42 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386303 Isn't Japan a part of China? Isn’t Japan a part of China?

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]]> By: Ajapa http://www.japanprobe.com/2009/11/18/japanese-mortified-by-obamas-bow-uhh-no/comment-page-1/#comment-386302 Ajapa Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:43:40 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=14144#comment-386302 The topic is an American's dispute over Obama's attitude. If Yukio Hatoyama had behaved such, only Japanese anti-DPJ and right-wing media might have treated it. <cite>... would it show up on the evening news as a WTF was he doing kind of thing?</cite> So, "the evening news" means an American evening news and "he" denotes Barack Obama here? Or do you mean that a Japanese evening news reports it as a WTF was <em>American media</em> (he) doing kind of thing? The topic is an American’s dispute over Obama’s attitude. If Yukio Hatoyama had behaved such, only Japanese anti-DPJ and right-wing media might have treated it.

… would it show up on the evening news as a WTF was he doing kind of thing?

So, “the evening news” means an American evening news and “he” denotes Barack Obama here? Or do you mean that a Japanese evening news reports it as a WTF was American media (he) doing kind of thing?

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