A lot has been made of the president’s propensity to bow down to foreign heads of state. It is something else when you actually see it. Many of us just cringe and find the sight of an American President bowing down to some king or emperor unsettling. The other side that finds it no big deal or some form of manners and politeness are confused. They have a hard time understanding why this is an anathematic sight to a lot of us.

I guess it basically comes down to a lack of understanding of the intent of our country’s founding. To bow down to a king or anyone at all as an American President flies in the face of our self identity as a nation. It showcases a disconnection with the understanding of who we are and where we came from.

This time, because we have a black president, it takes on an additional meaning. It also comes down to self-image and symbolism. The image of a black man bowing down to someone is disconcerting because of the history of slavery. When one realizes the journey black folks have been on with America and the whole history of this, there is a sadness to watch this President bow down before another man. The black man has come too far in America to be bowing down to anyone.

The symbolism of this has done a disservice to the struggle of an entire race. It is sad to watch this black man go around the world bowing down to another man. It is sad not only because he is our President, but also upsetting when one remembers the struggle. People are so concerned about the cultural sensitivities of foreign nations. However, where is the concern for sensitivity of an entire race?

If Obama can’t understand why it is inappropriate to do this because he is the President of the United States, then could he at least apperceive why it is wrong because of his skin? He only has four years to get these kinds of things right, because we will never reelect him. I say to Obama, keep your chin up. You don’t have to bow down to any man.

C. Rich

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