2 posts tagged “politics”
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.
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.
If you, from time-to-time, enjoy something other than CNN, BBC, CBC, ABC etc. you may wish to check out Alive in Baghdad. This site features the commentary, with minimal interviewing, of everyday people living their lives in Baghdad. There's a young guy comparing his home town to Grand Theft Auto. There's a mother who tells "A martyr's story". There are many different "insights". "Alive in was formed to counter the sound-bite driven, “Live From” news model. Through the work of a team of Americans and Iraqi correspondents on the ground, Alive in shows the occupation through the voices of Iraqis. Alive in brings testimonies from individual Iraqis, footage of daily life in , and short news segments to you." Give this weekly vblog a try.
