Obama's Bow Draws Both Respect and Criticism

U.S. President Barack Obama is greeted by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko upon arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo November 14, 2009.

Pictures of the U.S. President Obama bowing deeply to Japanese Emperor Akihito during a state visit to Japan have incensed some commentators, who say the U.S. head of state should not lower his head before foreign crowned heads while experts in Japanese etiquette praised it as an appropriate show of respect.

Former Vice President Cheney said: "There is no reason for an American president to bow to anyone. Our friends and allies don't expect it, and our enemies see it as a sign of weakness."

In Japan, the lower you bow, the more respect you show, from a slight nod of the head to a lean forward of 30 degrees and -- the most respectful of all -- a deep bow bending at the waist by at least 45 degrees.

I will let you be the judge if the President of the United States is above adapting to this greeting in Japan. I do believe it is admirable for travelers to follow the country's protocol regarding gestures and social norms.

This is fundamental East vs West differences in gestures, and how gestures can reflect the personality and culture of the country.

For more information you could check out these books about gestures around the world, or specific to Japan, or check out your local library. I always check out my books before traveling to another country. In another post I will talk about the first time I was in a market in India where I mistook a nod of the head that meant 'yes' as 'yes but I do not want to and I will not give you the lowest price.'

Also in Japan, bowing can also represent an apology.◦

Obama's Bow Draws Both Respect and Criticism

This Week's Inauguration Of President Yudhoyono Takes Place In Indonesia

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - OCTOBER 20: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono prays during the Inauguration ceremony for President Yudhoyono at the House of Representative building on October 20, 2009 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Today's inauguration is the second for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono and marks the beginning of the new Democrat administration following their election in July. This is the second term for Yudhoyono, who was also elected by the Indonesian people in the 2004 elections, defeating incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri. A fresh Cabinet will be announced tomorrow. (Photo by Oscar Siagian/Getty Images)

See how Yudhoyono is praying. In many places around the world prayer is done with the palms of the hands facing towards the Heavens, this is to show honesty to God. Many times in our own Christian churches there are rituals where our Ministers and Pastors offer blessings and prayers in this position, for the very same reasons.◦

This Week's Inauguration Of President Yudhoyono Takes Place In Indonesia

Tsunami Victim's Last Words: "Mom Please"

A mother recounts the details of her daughter's death in Tuesday's tsunami. The 6 year old was swept out to sea when she slipped from her mother's grasp in the village of Leone, American Samoa.

Terrible pain and sadness is seen here. I think it is important to see a wide variety of sadness and grief if you are someone who investigates homicides- so you can be on the lookout for these emotions when they are faked and appear unnatural. The people being interviewed show several different subtle facial expressions of sadness.

Often times when we see this type of thing in the states the sadness and the grief becomes more dramatic and 'louder' especially if it is done while be taped by a local news station.

Another thing to note is in the chief's interview when he says the culture is very strong, "huuummmmppp" I am unsure if this is cultural based, or a way to say "understand?" or emotion being verbalized? If you know please comment on this post or email me- at the bottom of the page is a contact me link.◦

Tsunami Victim's Last Words: "Mom Please"

The Many Meanings of the Thumbs Up Gesture

It means 'Okay' in most every country. It is an adaption of gestures made in the roman Colosseum (much different than what is seen in the movie The Gladiator- it was more a symbol of the sword and the covered up thumb meant to spare the gladiators life, while the thrusts toward the gladiator meant death), but most of us know it because of the Fonzie.

In Japan is is a gesture that symbolizes a male companion. It can also mean the number 5.◦

The Many Meanings of the Thumbs Up Gesture

The "Shot" Heard Around the World

Out on the news wire...

On Tuesday, the White House released a photograph of President Obama nonchalantly leaning back in his chair with his feet on the desk, the soles of his shoes clearly visible--as he spoke on the telephone with Benyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.

I will not comment on public officials still in office, per my policy, but as visitor to this site, this has significance.

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The "Shot" Heard Around the World

The Human Animal- the Language of the Body

Desmond Morris takes a look at how the man communicated before language. This is a great way to understand the beginnings of the field. It also examines what is our natural behavior.

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The Human Animal- the Language of the Body