The Bow

By now, we've all seen the picture of President Obama bowing low in front of the Japanese Emperor. Some people are outraged while others do not see the big deal. Some justify it by saying that's how the Japanese show respect and it's protocol for him to bow. From a perspective of understanding the culture and the meaning of bowing, the president sent a clear message to the Japanese people and their leaders that Western minds do not comprehend.

If you notice, the emperor bows as well, but only slightly. This is the appropriate bow to a fellow head of state. The president, on the other hand bows low, indicating subservience. It says that I am less than you and therefor am your servant. Doing so for most people meeting the emperor would be appropriate. As the head of state, the president sent the message that not only is he inferior, but so is the entire United States. Essentially, he is saying that the United States is inferior to Japan and is subservient to them. Unfortunately, current fiscal policy puts our nation in that position without the bow.

There is a concept here that perhaps the president does not understand. One can be a servant without being subservient. He could have given the appropriate head of state bow, as the emperor did, and still be a servant leader. For decades, the Japanese people have been not only allies of the United States, but true friends as well. Their attitude of repentance for the warlike expansionism of World War II has long held sway over most of the culture. Already, we help protect their borders and interests with our military as their constitution forbids a standing army more than a small defense force. Economically, we have been both competitors and partners in almost all major industries. Already, we as a nation serve as the largest market for Japanese goods and services. There was no need to bow so low.

The servant leader is a position of strength not weakness. Rather than saying I am less than you, it says that even though we are equals, I choose to honor and serve you. One is a formula for resentment on the part of the "servant", the other is a blessing bestowed out of good will and respect. This should be the position of the president. I hope he will stop apologizing for the country and offering us up to other nations and instead will lead from the position of authority he has been given. He has the burden of leading the most powerful nation on Earth with all the responsibility and privilege that comes with it. I pray he will stand and bear that burden well. He is our servant first and foremost as our elected leader. He serves at our pleasure, not the pleasure of any other nation. One day, I pray he remembers that.