Outrage as Obama Grovels at Emperor’s Feet
- Categories: Japan, News
- Date: Nov 16, 2009 17:07 JST
- Tags: Bizarre, Celebrities, Mass Media, Obama, Politics, Saudi Arabia, USA
President Obama’s decision to bow and scrape before Emperor Akihito during a recent state visit has angered many in the US even as it has pleased many in Japan, with critics saying the American president should not be going with crooked knee before the world’s kings.
He bowed low and deep – only by actually kneeling at the Akihito’s feet could he have expressed greater “respect.” The bow was of course not returned by the emperor.
Previous American leaders have taken care to treat Japan’s ruined monarchs as equals or mild inferiors – MacArthur famously had Hirohito come to him to take his orders, and recently vice-president Cheney remained conspicuously straight-backed as he shook the emperor’s withered hand.
A significant brouhaha in fact ensued when Clinton appeared to bow to Akihito, which was denied at the time by the ambassador in typically Clinton-esque fashion: “It was not a bow-bow, if you know what I mean.”
The previous emperor, Hirohito, was in the eyes of many an unrepentant war criminal who only escaped the gallows thanks to the necessity of confronting Russia, so it is no surprise he was never honoured, but his nondescript successor is regarded more positively.
Conscious of the great sacrifices made to rid the American people of monarchical parasites, for 200 years the US’s official diplomatic position has been that monarchs should humoured with nothing more than a handshake, so this gesture actually marks a significant change in policy, unwelcome in the eyes of many.
Obama’s obeisance might have been passed off as a gesture of contrition for the sake of manipulating an ally’s public opinion, but Obama recently made a similar grovelling performance for no less than the king of Saudi Arabia, a regime most in the west regard as utterly despicable.
Of course, the bow was well received by many in Japan, although with the Japanese Democrats being relatively sceptical of the imperial system this might not have quite the same effect it might have enjoyed had the emperor’s LDP fanclub still been in office.
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I don't see what all the big deal is...It's just petty formalities between two world leaders...
It's not like they're giving each other head on top of a Shinto temple...
And even so, it's going to be a matter of who's going to be the uke in the relationship...
He's behaving like they are superior. And that is a problem. Because it sends a completly wrong message.
Well, you just painted a very interesting mental image.
Remember folks this is TEH EMPRAH of MANKIND... Son of the Sun-god and whatnot. A living Deity!
We should bow deeply and rspct his imperial majesty Teh EMPRAH!
Obama got it rigth this time... But failed in Arabia when he bowed to this towelheaded impostor.
-TEH EMPRAH PROTECTS.
I see no problem with him bowing to the Japanese emperor what with him having no real power and all, but I sure as hell would never bow to the bastard king of Saudi Arabia, now why would he do that?
Americans shouldn't be outrage he's just bowing and after all it's a Japanese culture to greet each other even though the Emperor didn't bow as well but still he's treating other nation leaders as equal, not all but still.
more like the twit who is a major twat who wrote this flippant piece of schiess....
btw.. Artefacts should be in the museum not fucking running a website...
This is almost as ridiculous as that time where there was a controversy over which mustard Obama used...
I think it's okay, he's a king/emperor/not a figure chosen by the people, so he isn't on his level, in Japan, his homologue is the PM after all. He should just remember that kings will stay waaaaaay longer than him on their charge. It's just the minimum respect for a member of the ROYALTY
teh EMPRAH is not Royalty he is a GOD!
I'd be ashamed by now if I voted for Obama.
But alas, I voted for McCain, so I am not responsible for this America-apologizing monster and his equally abominable wife.
No you're clearly superior for voting for Launchpad McQuack and the retarded librarian.
The extent of your stupidity cannot be put into words.
Ah Americans, ignorant of the world since its conception.
You mean to tell me there are other cultures!? NO WAY!!!
does republican now = mean spirited namecaller? How about the coalition of the rich and the stupid?
Come on, have you ever heard of "when in Rome"?
The coalition of the rich and the stupid is the founding principle of human society.
Every society has it's rich people invoke patriotism, national pride, racial pride, and religious pride to get enough stupid people to his side. Use their money to hire strong stupid people who don't believe what they say but it doesn't matter because they can be easily bribed, and use your marauding hoarde of morons to drown out the intelligent people who are trying to call you out on your inneffectiveness and corruption...or just have them drown the intellectuals.
That's the founding principle of every nation or kingdom that has ever existed on the face of the earth.
Artefact, I would like to engage in a debate with you on this. But first, may I ask, what is your gripe about monarchies.
If its a bow of respect, then why wasn't it returned by the Emperor?
Obama and his a fucking idiot.
A GOD who doesn't even bow to other gods doesn't bow to some lowly human president
Its a bow of Respect! Fuck this shitty Country.
I blame it on chronic back pain.
Artefact, I would like to engage in debate with you on the subject. But first, my I ask, what's your gripe about monarchies?
I don't think he was bowing... I think he saw fried chicken on the floor.
Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch!!! OBAMA!!! Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch!!!
Pfft. Obama-chan was just looking at his shoes. You have to be presentable, right?
Obama probably thought a bow had to go below the person's eye level and anything above a 90 degree angle and Obama would still be able to look in the guys eyes since Obama is so much taller than him
I'm wondering if people forget he is from Oahu where the Japanese culture is probably one of the most influential on the Hawaiian islands.
He probably knew very well what he was doing when trying to show respect for Emperor Akihito. Whether it be outdated to bow like that, he is a guest in someone else's home and thus should show a bit more respect.
Obama really seems like a gentleman like that, respecting others traditions when he is visiting them.
If just the whole world could be like that.
When in Rome, do what the Roman's do, as the saying goes.
I personally don't see anything wrong because he's the guest in someone else's house.
Not to mention that he's just following the basic courtesy - he's just bowing, not licking the Emperor's boots. Everybody does that in Japan all the time, so why not the President of the United States?
First thing that I've read on Sankaku that I agree with. Great article Artefact.
Fuck monarchies. Artifacts of history belong in museums, not occupying the entire center of Tokyo.
The teleprez's love for King/Emperor cock knows no limit. His mistake was to try again in the public's telephoto lenses.
This could explain those crusty flacks always seen under his lip and that odd walk after he leaves those countries...
Yea he should've played coy like GW.
The Saudi King never got past first base with that man...he raised the price in oil just to hear bush's voice.
The Saudi King was embarassed that the press had video of his makeout session with george.
a) didnt know there was still an emperor of japan. b) its called public relations. i actually like to see he isnt like all the other presidents that feel they are over everybody else.... americans should learn of this. not critizise it... to bad that hes not going to be re-elected. since americans are so stupid he isnt goingt ot be re-elected.
"for 200 years the US’s official diplomatic position has been that monarchs should humoured with nothing more than a handshake, so this gesture actually marks a significant change in policy, unwelcome in the eyes of many."
Many are stupid.
Everyone bows to everyone in Japan.
I get the bow towards the Japanes emporer, but the one with the saudis? Not good, hm...
Agreed
"Bowgate" is one of the most ridiculous non-issues I've ever seen. Bowing is a way to show respect in Japan, and Obama is doing just that. I'm neutral on him, but I think he's being an honourable ambassador for the U.S. doing these things. Maybe the media would appreciate it more if he barfed on the Japanese prime minister's lap like GHW Bush did.
lol I remember that.
Hey asshole wear a flag pin...if you don't wear a flag pin you're socializing Hitler!
Obama is a smart man. He clearly does not give a crap what people think of him back home and would rather try and build/fix Americas relations with the rest of the world.
Doesn't really matter.
Japan's still our bitches after WW2, can't do shit without our approval still.
Stop trying to spin the truth.
o ya? why is north korea still a threat? Why hasn't America already invaded north korea and still dependent on japan and "America's Allies"?
There is a difference between respect and submission.
Obama was showing respect, not submission. Most outraged Americans are superimposing expectations of their own cultures onto foreign soil.
A country isolated till 200 years ago which developed its own culture with minimal foreign (even from mainland Asia) influence, and yet Americans expect "their way" to be the right way in that country?
Bowing to the Emperor of Japan is showing respect to ALL Japanese in a way that 'democratic' America cannot understand. The Emperor of Japan is an integral part of Japanese cultural identity. If you say the current Emperor is just a figurehead, well, in much of Japanese history the Emperors were pretty much that. The Emperor is more akin to the Pope in Rome than a western king, as he is the spiritual head of country.
If the Japanese are proud and happy of their Royals, why should they bow to gaijin who want to 'educate' them in 'equality'? isn't America land of the free? So the average American is free to overeat and grow fat, but the president isn't free to respect and follow Japanese culture in Japan?
ok i dont knw,but thats his way of showing respect, he is still the leader of strongest country, but he bow to show respect to an ally, what's wrong?
or is the all pride and loud americanists feel ashamed of because they cannot step on top of other country?
Oops, looks like you bothered more than a few Japanophiles with this one, Artefact. Maybe you should stick to your time-honored formula of China-bashing articles, just to let your readers know you're all on the same team.
The Saudi bow was a honest mistake, he went too low. The Japan bow was an outright f***up, he should have known not to bow so deeply from the previous one.
Royalty absolutely does not bow to any one. It was a good decision for obama to bow to show respect, but not that low.
lol I love how all the weeabos and jappos here are calling that 'emperor' a god (as if any exist). He's as mortal as anyone... it'll become evident when he dies of old age. A bunch of make believe nonsense humans used to make up to control others. Wake up.
He is bowing an elder, what is wrong with a younger male showing he's respect to someone older.
Maybe Hussein should have given him a blowjob too.
I love the critique of the bow, but let's be realistic. The American pundits who are faux-outraged know just as much about bowing in Japan as Obama does (nothing). They just want people to believe Obama is giving in to foreign leaders. Which is interesting considering the Saudi leader Obama bowed to is the same leader Bush held hands with and kissed.
Butthurt Republicans. Americans and non-Americans alike must be all find amusement in their wacky shenanigans.
Maybe they should worry more as how he ignores he human rights issue when dealing with China.
At least Obama has respect for other countries, unlike fucking George Fucking Bush. If this was Bush, I'd bet that he just declare war against them instead.
Wow! All the guy did was bow, just get over it all you conservfags that don't have anything better to do. And fix the god damn health insurance problem. (That wasn't directed at anyone, I'm just venting.)
What is wrong with this? Sure he might have made a mistake in etiquette, but why is that a problem? He is the only president who has shown any form of respect to other world leaders, trying to show he is not an asshole like the rest, but that he wants to strengthen relations with them. I would rather make a mistake and learn from it than not do a damn thing and portray myself as a dick.
Oh, and the emperor did bow in return, but it wasn't as exaggerated as Obama's. He's in his 80's, what the Hell did you expect him to do?
It's amusing to me as an American that no one elsewhere in the world thinks this is a big deal, but throngs of butthurt, Glenn Beck watching, evangelical bumpkins hop up on their soap boxes and/or Ford pickup tailgates and scream. This attitude that America is better than everyone is what always gets us in trouble, and the fucking rednecks need put down the bible for two seconds to get that through their thick heads.
Big fucking deal... So he bowed as a sign of respect. Bush kissed the Saudi king...What's the fucking difference?
It seems Japan was not all that impressed some news stations refuse to even talk about it.
Why doesn't someone tell him how to behave around his peers. I mean, He gave the Freaking Queen of england an IPOD!! LOL
If all it takes is a bow to get a smile from a nation that has joined in so many in criticizing America for the past eight years, then a bow is a very small price to pay.
that was beautiful +1
Can I say,
WHAT SO EVIL ABOUT MONARCHIES!?
nothing o elected queen! absolutely nothing... this peasants fail to see your greatness...
I thought this whole Obama bowing to people was old news.
The puny human president bows to gods!
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! MORE HEADS FOR THE THRONE OF SKULLS! ALL HAIL KHORNE!
Why is Obama soft on the xenos scum? Long live the imperium!
Wow. Who would've thought you Artefact of all people would condemn Obama for bowing of all things. Although, I will admit with your opinions of monarchies and their evil ways, I highly disagree with what really seem like a gaijin's way of trying to show proper respect in Japan. Such a conservative comment coming from someone who, through the many articles displayed here, has such liberal views is quite shocking and utterly disgusting. The bowing of a monarch does not imply deference simply a respect, nothing less. If you remember correctly Bush bowed, hugged, and often kissed the King of Saudi Arabia many times over, obviously showing a deference not displayed by Obama.
I would understand if he had performed Dogeza but seriously. In my opinion the low bow of his is not low at all but simply how tall the man is if you didn't know;Obama is quite tall. Regardless of that, a bow to a FAILED monarch does not imply anything, after all, their own people appreciate and respect said monarchs and anything that insults them immediately is taken with grave consequence by their people.
America may have been founded with the principles of not taking well to monarchs, of which I agree, but in a modern globalized world where respect is seen as a great currency, showing a bit of respect to any leader, monarch or non-monarch, is part and parcel of playing the political game. Obama is not taking his orders directly from any monarchy and until that day, I can be at ease at any bowing he may have done.
But why would you care at what I just said right Artefact? Go watch Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly so you may satisfy your paranoia. It seems you're taking your moral lessons from TV comedians and corporate profiteers...
"Quite shocking and utterly disgusting."
My inclination to talk to you ended there. And I don't even know who Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly are so you might want to step out of your cosy little world of US partisan politics.
He was trying to get them to forgive America's 724 billion dollar debt to Japan, Behind the scenes today he was bending the other direction for China's Hu Jintao.
that's the shiznit bro
It's all part of his plan, you make peace and when they least expect it... Attack! All hail Britannian! I mean USA.
Nixon bowed to Hirohito...That Hirohito.
Eisenhower bowed to Charles Du Gaulle.
Obama fucked the bow up yea, but he could proably sit in a chair and still be eye level with the guy.
Now it could have been badass if he whipped it out and forced the emporer to "speak into the mic" but that might be seen as "inappropriate"
Next time he should give him an backrub and if that doesn't make the emporer toss our debt he could just puke on his lap.
I really like Japan, I do. I want to eventually live there. But still, American presidents should NOT bow to any king or queen in the world. Not in Japan, not in England, not anywhere. We had a war to get rid of those guys a few hundred years ago. :/
... you fail on historical points...
your Amerikan history is as whitewashed as Japan/China or whatever godforsakened countries history is...
i bet you you do not know why there was a "war" in the first place.... and why you "won" ....
BWAHAHAHAHA
thus ends my 10 post troll...
I shall not reveal what else i know of the politics and mechanisations of the 12 gentlemen who know that i am one of them soon...
What is this Anon smoking.
The pipe of truth.
This proves it. Barack Obama is a weeaboo.
Imagine if Obama were some jackass niggra from Alabamy.
"Hey, Empra, go suck my big black nigga cock, aight?? Imma go tap me sum japoontang"
shit, that'd be an incredibly entertaining prez.
And he'd go to Sankaku, just to troll everyone.
Who the fuck cares.
It's called showing respect guys @_@
As long Obama shows respect to other world leaders it's all good, if they don't show any respect it's their problem
After this I like Obama a bit now, I was neutral before.
And whats really stupid are the Americans going "wah wah wah Pearl Harbour" like it was 9/11 x 100 or something.
I think 2 nukes and civy casualties is a bit more serious that a little bruise to the American ego.
The Americans complaining should, as this is the internet, STFUGTFO
Listen, we can bitch about 3,000 casualties a few years ago and make jokes about the 100k civilian casualties we've inflicted in...well you know where.
At the table of international diplomacy, we're the guy in the back corner hunched over his shotgun psychotically muttering to himself. Sure he's a little crazy, and if you look at him the wrong way he'll knife you in the stomach, but if someone starts shit, everyone else will get behind him push the crazy bastard forward a couple of times and then bitch after he kills every living thing in front of him.
Its just the americunts that think theyre the biggest and best and poking on everyone who do not respect them. I see nothing wrong in Obama showing some respect to others. Somethimes it's good, you know.
especially in comparison to a president who was giving Angela Merkel a backrub. God, I hate white presidents.
I'm American and I haven't heard or seen anyone point out anything wrong or unusual about Obama's behavior. I think it's a very classy and respectful move. Was this news story invented, or are some dumb fucks actually making a stink about it?
Drudge Report from L.A. Times
Fox too.
The news section of Fox News or the opinionated side? lol
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/30/jon-stewart-takes-on-war_n_339788.html
And the Hell-A Times and Fox News are such bastions of neutrality, amirite?
Seriously, the only ones up in arms about this are the neocons, and I have no pity for them whatsoever.
*Miroku74 plays the World's Smallest Violin for the Neoconservatives*
They made their bed... they have to sleep in it.
Technically, it's an etiquette faux pas, but one the Japanese took with grace and acknowledgment of Obama's good intentions.
To the Americans, however, there's really no way to react other than to facepalm.
You'd be suprised at how much damamge control your local news providers have with news relating to themselves. Its the international news providers that do the damage.
I can't believe this news actually led people into discussing different methods of bowing....what next? Tips and strategies for a proper handshake?
Roman Salute
I see what you did there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIAdHEwiAy8
Those damn fascists!
If you don't already know the secret shake then you never will.
There are whole books published in Japan on the topic of how to bow in various situations.
Actually...
Ah but of course Obama did wrong. A politician with no manners nor respect is the latest trend in the US.
It only takes a cursory knowledge of international history and standards of diplomatic etiquette to realize that Obama's doing nothing more than making himself look a wee bit silly.
It's good to show respect, but Obama did it wrong. A 45° should be acceptable, while 90° is like begging.
it's not like he bows most of the time. I guess he was being safe. "Wait, is this 45? better make it 90."
This. It's not like he's a fucking walking encyclopedia of cultural customs.
Well he did hand pick his staff, so ultimately the blame does lie with him.
and they failed to work for him properly. So he's blameless.
But if we could build one...
and so, Obama is blameless, and the issue of outrage is moot. Unless you wanna start shit about the diplomatic staff.
He's not a walking encyclopedia, but he has diplomatic staff in Japan who should have advised him on things like this.
Furthermore, Obama actually taking into consideration other people's culture is a far cry from the last president's incredibly ham-fisted attempt at foreign relations.