S

ome American conservative commentators are seizing on President Barack Obama's deep bow to Japan's emperor during the weekend, accusing the US commander in chief of groveling to a foreign leader.

Obama greeted Emperor Akihito, whose father ruled when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, with a simultaneous handshake and nearly 90-degree bow, sparking furious online commentary, much of it negative.

Obama's gesture on Saturday was not without precedent, however. Neither was the outrage. US presidents from both political parties often have been criticized for attempts at culturally sensitive greetings to high-ranking foreigners. Former president George W. Bush, a Republican, was mocked for holding Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah's hand, a traditional sign of friendship in the Middle East, as they strolled together in 2005.

Your comments:
I don't see anything wrong with bowing. It does not mean Obama is lower or higher. Salute Obama's modesty!

Lianto Osa
Jakarta

I would not be surprised if the media photoshopped Obama's bow to 90 degrees to sell more news. Most people see the pictures and evaluate it at face value without probing or thinking much.

Just like the television culture everywhere else, images flash so quickly that audiences don't have time to think and filter the images they see.