As part of this week's G20 meetings, President Obama turned more than a few heads when he chose to genuflect before Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah. In comparison, he did not bow when he met England's Queen Elizabeth.
Gravitas: you're doing it wrong.
(Obama's dhimmi obeisance is approximately 56 seconds in)
A few thoughts on diplomatic protocol...
- Miss Manners: "One does not bow or curtsey to foreign monarchs because the gesture signifies recognition of [the monarch's] power over [his] subjects."
- World Net Daily: "The U.S. State Department's office of protocol did not respond to a WND request for the proper etiquette for two heads of state meeting, but the online Travel Etiquette website for Saudi Arabia said handshakes are common greetings between members of the same sex."
- Trent Reznor: "Bow down before the one you serve. You're going to get what you deserve."
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