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By: Moniza Khokhar November 19, 2009 Ok, so lately it seems like Obama’s everyone’s homeboy.  He seems very approachable, lovable, basically an average dude you’d be cool to chill with and talk about Kanye being a jackass.  But naturally, he is the President, and with great power comes great responsibility. Lately it seems that his physical moves (fly swat anyone?) come under fire just as much is his political ones.  So is the fact that he bows to foreign Kings and Emperors really so big a deal that it becomes a hotly debated topic in the US media?  Yes, apparently it is folks ... we’re following a theme here. President Obama, on an official trip to Japan, greeted the Japanese Emperor Akihito with a very low bow.  Critics and speculators have questioned if this is appropriate protocol - is America representing itself as respectful - or submissive? Obama also recently came under fire while meeting with the Saudi monarch, King Abdullah, where he bowed as well. To all these critics, I say this:  I’m sorry, but did you not hear his inaugural address?  The man clearly stated that we would be entering into a new system of governance where “mutual respect” would be the foundation.  The reality is, Obama’s on damage control from the previous administration, whose engagement in global, cultural exchanges were limited to say the least.  Obviously, America is not popular in the Middle East, but let’s not forget, it’s not so popular elsewhere either.  And when citizens around the world are not so friendly towards America, it starts to feel lonely out here.  It’s a fact that when people feel disenfranchised, they seek more radical ways, mostly becoming violent, of getting their voices heard.  By including everyone in the conversation, we avoid these people going crazy, and in turn assert America as a welcoming country that creates opportunity, not conflict. The gesture is therefore the very opposite of submissive. So does it bother me, when my President bows to another monarch, no.  I believe that he’s showing them respect, which in turn makes me love my country more.  Source: AOL Sphere Photo: MANDEL NGAN/Getty Images http://www.elanthemag.com/index.php/site/blog_detail/obama_takes_a_bow_and_the_flak_but_does_he_deserve_it-nid738165431/