President Barack Obama Bows to Japanese Emperor Akihito. Should an American President Bow to Foreign Head of State?

What's up with President Obama bowing for the Japanese Emperor Akihito? No doubt, his action will get the president a lot of approving nods from the Japanese this weekend, particularly among the older generation, but disbelief at home. This very low bow is a sign of great respect and deference to a superior, but why should the American president even submit to foreign royalty in such a manner? Sorry, but an upright handshake looks a whole lot better. You will recall that President Obama caused quite a stir in the U.S.A. when a picture of him "bowing" to the Saudi king made some ripples and angered many Americans.

Some may say that this is much ado about nothing, but the American head of state should not bow to anyone. It's amazing that he didn't bow to Queen Elizabeth II, but had no problem bowing for the Saudi king and now the Japanese emperor. It makes the president seem servile at best. Gee, I wonder what the White House will say this time around, since they vehemently denied that the president had bowed to the Saudi king?

Photo credit:  President Obama in Japan & Obama Bowing to Saudi king, LA Times