Relax
I usually don't get political here. There are other places for that. The flurry of controversy in the American press about President Obama's bow to the King of Saudi Arabia just gets me.
To those pundits who say no bow occurred look at the video. Forget ignoring the obvious. Confront it.
To those who are upset I say relax.
We have all read about difficulties American troops have had with cultural issues in Iraq. Understanding where others come from is important. Respect begets respect.
At a sporting event do I stand for the national anthem of another country out of respect? Yes. I have been in homes where, culturally, I have had to remove my shoes. Do I do this at home? No. Do I do this in their home? Yes. Doing business in Europe or North American is it rude if a deal is made but the other party doesn't shake hands? Yes. Is it rude when I am in a nation where they do not shake hands but put their hands together and bow their head? No. Visiting the White House, would the King of Saudi Arabia expect the President to bow? No.
The bow was not some sort of submissive gesture. It was the gesture of a respectful, foreign, leader fully confident in who he and his nation are.
There is an ageless expression "when in Rome ..." Do you get it?
Relax.
We have all read about difficulties American troops have had with cultural issues in Iraq. Understanding where others come from is important. Respect begets respect.
At a sporting event do I stand for the national anthem of another country out of respect? Yes. I have been in homes where, culturally, I have had to remove my shoes. Do I do this at home? No. Do I do this in their home? Yes. Doing business in Europe or North American is it rude if a deal is made but the other party doesn't shake hands? Yes. Is it rude when I am in a nation where they do not shake hands but put their hands together and bow their head? No. Visiting the White House, would the King of Saudi Arabia expect the President to bow? No.
The bow was not some sort of submissive gesture. It was the gesture of a respectful, foreign, leader fully confident in who he and his nation are.
There is an ageless expression "when in Rome ..." Do you get it?
Relax.
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