Would you bow to 'Royalty'? If meeting Queen Elizabeth II for instance,

[AzDar]

would you curtsy ( or bow)? I sure as hell wouldn't; the very idea pisses me off.
How 'bout you?

[WCGreen]

1. Fuck no....

And I don't stand for The Messiah...

We fought a revolution now didn't we...

[SmokingJacket]

2. Hahahaha. No. A nice handshake and smile is good enough

for anyone.

[NovaNardis]

I don't think I would

But not because I hate the idea of monarchs (especially benign ones like the British monarchs). I would be like bowing to George Bush (which I sure as shit wouldn't) or Bill Clinton.

[MonkeyFunk]

3. Sure

if that's what custom and tradition dictate. I've bowed to Japanese businessmen. I don't see a big difference.

If you can't abide the cultural norms of a place, don't go. I suggest you politely decline any invitations to meet the Queen.

[AzDar]

13. In Japan, it's a cultural tradition to bow to everyone, right? Not just

a chosen few determined solely by birth?

[MonkeyFunk]

37. no

you don't think the Emperor bows to his maid, do you?

As I said above, if the culture and tradition required it, I'd either go along or avoid the place.

In your specific example of Queen Elizabeth, it's already been pointed out here that if you're not a subject, it is not expected, so we don't seem to have any problem.

[Art_from_Ark]

143. People bow to each other out of common courtesy in Japan

Not deep bows, like one might expect with royalty, just a little bending from the waist up.

As for the Emperor, I saw his car drive by once in my city. His motorcade route was listed in the local paper, and I decided to go to one of the local street corners to get a look. There were about a dozen of us. We were given Japanese flags by a Welcome Committee member to wave as the Imperial coach passed. The Emperor's wife was on the side of the car closest to the curb (and well-wishers). She waved her white-gloved hand slightly when she saw us. The crowd were waving the flags, rather than bowing.

[aquart]

4. Americans do not bow.

That's why they call us stiff necked.

P.S. I understand that debutantes bow. They belong to the class that is always very sad not to be the aristocracy.

[spoony]

152. Lol, whatever.

You can look down on royal subjects all you like, but don't pretend America doesn't have masters to which it bows, in one way or another.

[Benhurst]

5. Of course not. I'm an American.

And I think it is no longer considered impolite for a British citizen to refrain from doing so.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Absolutely.

What would be the point of meeting royalty without following traditional customs?

[originalpckelly]

12. Sarcasm of that ambiguous nature needs a tag.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

20. I'm not being sarcastic.

What's the point of going to a fancy restaurant if you don't dress up? What's the point of going to a baseball game if you're not going to cheer?

Why is this a big deal anyway? You think you pick up macho rebel points by saying you wouldn't bow to the queen?

[originalpckelly]

24. Yes, you gain a ton of them.

People died so you don't have to bow before that woman or anyone in her family.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

28. Oh, Kelly.

You're so counterculture. So rebellious. You're a regular Sid Vicious.

[originalpckelly]

31. ...

:rofl:

Have to love me some Bornaginhooligan!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

57. Even Sid Vicious would bow to

the Queen, methinks.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

58. It's hard to say, now that I think about it.

Interesting guy, Sid.

[Art_from_Ark]

150. Sid Viscious?

You mean, the guy who sang "God bless our queen, and her fascist regime"?

[uppityperson]

76. oh thank you, yo are too good today

[rockymountaindem]

34. I feel the same way n/t

[originalpckelly]

38. It's something in our water here in CO...

:rofl:

[rockymountaindem]

41. I think it's the naturally flouridated water

:)

[originalpckelly]

42. Or in this case, the Revolutionated water

:rofl:

I'm having WAY to much fun!

[Madspirit]

56. I'm also not sarcastic

I was going to say "no" until I read your post. You're a hoot and a half.
If I ran into her on the street, which would be weird enough, I wouldn't bow.
If I went to an Official Function TO Meet The Queen, I would play the fantasy. Why else meet a Queen.

Madspirit

[Pithlet]

59. I think it's actually considered a faux pas if you're not a subject.

I don't remember who it was or where I read about it, but some American actress actually courtesied to the queen and it made for a slightly awkward moment.

[sammythecat]

71. Good for you! I like what you said.

"When in Rome,..."

What's the matter with being courteous enough to go along with a traditional behavior? Like you said, it just isn't a big deal. I'm not religious, but, if I wore a hat, I would take it off before entering any church. I wouldn't be "giving in" to anything, I'd just be displaying common courtesy.

I like the "macho rebel points". That is what this is about really. Silly and stupid in my opinion.

[grasswire]

81. damn!

Back to the history books for you!

The blood of a young nation was spilled so that no man in this land would bow to another. The gesture represents American servitude to royalty. Repudiating that inferior position is the essence of democracy. We don't bow.

[sammythecat]

97. Like I said, I think it's silly and stupid

to get worked up over this. A gentlemanly leaning over from the waist is not a statement of servitude or inferiority. It's an old and outdated custom as far as I'm concerned. However, if I were in a situation such that I was to greet the Queen of England I would comply with custom. If I thought she, or anyone else, for that matter, was an asshole, all bets are off. I wouldn't hold the door open for her if I thought she was arrogant.

I have no reason to suspect she is an asshole. Going on that assumption, I wouldn't choose to say, "Hi Liz, I'm an American. Americans bow to no one." Or something to that effect. I have no need to reinforce or proclaim my identity as an American by being rude.

The blood of a young nation was not spilled in vain. We have no Queen. I would bow out of a mild respect for an antiquated, traditional custom. Nothing more. It would last part of a second. To do otherwise would only cause unnecessary and uncomfortable embarrassment. And to what end? Just to identify myself as a inconsequential boor? Would this make me a more manly American?

This is of no consequence as far as I'm concerned, and I think I'd be rather silly to make a stink about it.

on edit: Since I'm not religious and feel even more strongly about religions than monarchies, should I insist on wearing a baseball hat sideways the next time I attend a religious wedding? Should I eat a sandwich if I feel hungry when they take their vows?

[spoony]

157. Lol

Back to some real history books yourself. It always amazes me that even the most liberal American, the most staunchly anti-war, will invariably white-wash and glorify the sacred Revolution. It was about control and power, and money. Most of the people fighting were not fighting the idea of a monarchy, just their lack of representation. Only the elite had in mind the ideas you're talking about. I guess it's a coincidence that they wound up in power in the new nation.

www.ushistory.org/declaration/account/index.htm

[spoony]

155. Great points

I don't understand why some people think that even the merest nod to tradition or even manners will somehow transform them into freepers or something.

[Pithlet]

7. I thought you weren't supposed to if you aren't a subject?

I don't think it's forbidden or anything, but as far as I know it's not proper protocol. I wouldn't do it anyway.

[Disturbed]

10. Royaltiy is pure Bullshit!

Bow down to them? Hell no!!!

[karlrschneider]

8. Naw, I'd wave my dick at her.

:D

[AzDar]

19. LOL...I think that is the Scottish custom.

[karlrschneider]

26. Well, I have some Scottish blood...er, Scotch in my blood, I mean

:D

[originalpckelly]

32. !

:spray:

[Hubert Flottz]

29. I see you know how to approach the Queen!

Royal blue bloods are alot like Freepers...they wanna' keep it in the family.

[DURHAM D]

9. If a Brit did not stand when the President of the U.S.

is in the room would that bother you?

[pnwmom]

18. Who said ANYONE is supposed to stand when the POTUS is in the room?

Especially this one.

[DURHAM D]

22. It is protocol.

And, it is to show respect for the office - not for the person. I do respect the office. In order to avoid standing for Bush I would simply never be in the room.

[pnwmom]

44. Which is simply custom, or etiquette.

If you don't recognize Bush as the legitimate holder of the office -- which I don't -- why stand up for him?

[DURHAM D]

64. Whenever I think about this issue I am reminded of the

West Wing episode where Bartlett dresses down right wing talk show host Dr. Jacobson with bible quotes and then tells her to stand up. It is on youtube. "west wing bible quotes"

From all of the West Wing years - this is my favorite scene.

[fishwax]

91. That's one of my favorite scenes too

(although I'm still not sure I'd stand for bush :grr:)

[flobee1]

40. It all depends on what President we have

If he deserves respect-he gets it

everyone has my respect starting out-to lose it, you have to work at it
bush has lost it, and its never coming back

[CTyankee]

96. I think that is different. Most people would stand when a head of state

enters the room. Curtsying/bowing is what subjects do to their King or Queen. There is a reason that we Americans adopted long ago the title of "Mr. President" for our leader. It was discussed when George Washington became president and was considered very seriously by the founders of this country.

I most certainly would NOT curtsy to Queen Elizabeth (or anyone else for that matter).

[krispos42]

142. We also stand up when a judge enters a courtroom

And when being introduced to someone at a social function. That's not servitude, that's being polite and respectful.

Bowing in greeting is not the norm in either the US or the UK. Bowing, genuflecting, and proskynesis are gestures of servitude.

[originalpckelly]

11. Well, it would look a lot like bowing...

but my pants would be lowered and it'd be my rear facing her. Hint, hint.

[cool user name]

123. LMAO ...

That was grand.

Thanks for the laugh. :hi:

[Cleita]

14. It would depend on the circumstances. If I were her guest,

I would follow protocol or refuse the invitation. However, if I ran into her at the mall, I wouldn't.

[TahitiNut]

15. Well, I stood at attention when Prince Phillip spoke to me - but I was a cadet.

I do not even begin to accept the moral legitimacy of 'royalty.' No way. No how. As I've said before, one of the things the Bolsheviks did right was exterminate Russia's 'royalty.' There is, on the face of the planet, no more despicable class of human beings. This isn't personal. This is above that. The very notion of generational power and wealth built, over the centuries, on the blood and sweat of others is abhorrent in the extreme.

Smirky McPissant's kissing and hand-holding with members of one of the most corrupt and despicable 'royal families' in human history should nauseate a buzzard. The Lieberman 'kiss' ranks low but Dear Leader's toadying to 'royalty' is completely beneath contempt.

[SammyWinstonJack]

16. No.

[wryter2000]

17. If the royal deserved the courtesy, yes

I'd curtsy to Queen Elizabeth, but if the King of Saudi Arabia walked into the room, I'd walk out.

[flobee1]

33. Thats the same way I view it

from what I've seen and heard, the queen is a decent moral person-she would get whatever the custom called for
same goes for the Dali-lama

bush would not even get a "have a good day"

[TlalocW]

21. No...

I'd give her a little tuck under the chin and ask, "How ya doin', Queenie?"

TlalocW

[Madspirit]

62. ...under the chin

:rofl:

[liberalnurse]

23. Yes.

I respect other cultures and customs.O8)

[grasswire]

85. your acquiescence to anti-democratic symbols...

...is not a virtue. Americans do not bow to royalty. And a lover of democracy would likely call you out if they saw you do so. I would.

[Raine]

100. Same here nt

[hyphenate]

25. For the sake of diplomacy

I would. Most nations uphold old and traditional laws and bowing to royalty is a one of those customs that measures respect. We are perhaps indebted to our founding fathers for their insight at keeping the US from being a monarchy, but it doesn't change the fact that most of the Europe they knew, and that we know now, has been filled with monarchies for centuries.

Not respecting the traditions and customs of other countries in the world is one of those thing I can accuse GWB of, because he's an ass to begin with, but those who refuse to give regard to the rulers of other countries are committing a major faux pas that reflects badly on the country they come from, and not just the people as individuals.

[brettdale]

27. No

No.

[xchrom]

30. sure -- i am not a creature of the middle ages -- and

i can respect and even enjoy tradition -- knowing it's breadth and depth -- what it's about -- i am free from it.

i can bow and enjoy the experience of this time -- and it's long history. both the good and bad.

[genie_weenie]

35. Why all the honorifics for the president

and members of congress?

[originalpckelly]

39. I feel the same way. President's are our servants, not the other way around.

Same for members of Congress. Both seem to be treated like royalty in America. It's making us more of an empire than a republic.

[Coventina]

36. On her land, sure. On American soil, no.

The way I see it, Britain has chosen to remain a monarchy. Maybe a revolution will come in the future, I don't know. But for now, their constitutional monarchy seems to be working for them. That's fine.

I don't like the idea of monarchy, but if I am going to go over there, and be a guest of their country, I feel that I should honor their customs.

Over here, she's Elizabeth Windsor, just like anybody else. I'd be happy to shake hands with her, but that's as far as it goes.

[genie_weenie]

65. What constitutes her land?

Ireland? Scotland? Wales? Canada? The Aquitaine? India?

[Coventina]

66. The present day international borders of the UK. n/t

[AngryAmish]

77. You do realize she is the Head of State for Canada?

Canada is definately her territory.

[Coventina]

136. Yes, I do realize that.

And if I run into Her Majesty while we're both visiting Canada, I'll be sure to curtsey.
:-)

[spoony]

158. There are 16 realms of the Commonwealth

They all recognize her as the Queen. And that's counting the UK collectively as one realm.

[grasswire]

88. no

Would Thomas Jefferson have bowed to the monarch of England, in England post-revolution? I think not.

Americans do not bow to royalty. Period. Too much blood was given to buy democracy.

[Coventina]

135. It's silly to get all het up about something that will never happen.

For one thing, I've never been to England, nor likely to bump into the Queen at a state occaision, so I really am not too worried about the prospect.

But, I stand by my assertion of behaving in what is considered to be the "proper" manner as a guest in a foreign country. If I don't like their rules, I don't belong there.

Just as I would expect Ms. Windsor to acknowledge that she is not the monarch in the United States, but deserves to be treated with common dignity as a head of state.

To compare the situation of Thomas Jefferson after the Revolution is not really valid in this day and age. The UK has been our staunchest ally, for better and worse, for about 100 years. The Revolution is over, we won, we don't need to be jerks about it more than 200 years later.

[IntravenousDemilo]

43. Of course. She's my Queen. n/m

[MistressOverdone]

45. I think I would probably do the curtsy thing

(and awkwardly) because it is kind of like role play, or playing fairy tale or something. I actually do respect the old girl. Now Charles? Not so much.

[WinkyDink]

46. I doubt any of us need to think about this one. But yes, I'd do as manners warranted.

[Hosnon]

47. No I wouldn't. I am not her subject and unless that is a custom that most

diplomats ascribe to I think it is inappropriate.

She is the head of state in the United Kingdom and I would shake her hand in respect of that position (as is done in this country).

[Anarcho-Socialist]

48. It is no longer expected of citizens of countries where she is Head of State

I would give her due respect as Head of State of the United Kingdom but I would not bow.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

49. An American citizen is not required

to bow to royalty. We are the sovereigns of our nation, and as such bow to no person. Sigh. This sovereign is ready to fire the servant in the White House right now.

Edited to add: some years back, when Elizabeth came to the US, the wife of an American official curtseied to Her Majesty and was chastised by the press for doing so.

[FedUpWithIt All]

50. When in Rome...I appreciate respect when it is paid to me, i will show it to others

Bowing to the Queen as a sign of courtesy and respect for another human being and their culture and position in it, does me no harm. I would personally be doing it out of greater respect for those who i do personally care about who live under these traditions.

[krispos42]

51. I would nod my head in greeting and shake hands

I'm not giving a bow, genuflection, or proskynesis.

If I'm being knighted, I'll will kneel for the ceremony as part of respect of a tradition that far predates my country.

[muriel_volestrangler]

52. Official word: there is nothing obligatory, for subjects or otherwise

There are also no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.

For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page236.asp

And, it's notable they regard the bow/curtsy as 'tradition', while the mode of address is 'courtesy'. Which I think means they don't care too much about the bow.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

53. My Socialist Irish granny would rise from the dead and whup my ass.

[midnight]

73. My thoughts exactly. My namesake is from Ireland.

[Critters2]

105. My Irish Mom once made me promise I'd never bow to the Queen

We were watching some news footage of the Queen on some trip and all these people were bowing. My mom said to me, "If you ever meet the Queen of England, you should never bow. Remember what the Brits did to your ancestors. You're Irish!" Me: "When I meet the Queen, I won't bow. I promise." I was a teenager at the time, so my promise was followed by the obligatory :eyes:

[TayTay]

54. No. Not ever.

My ancestors fought in a Revolution so that free people would never have to bow again to supposed royalty. It would be an insult to those in my family who spilled their blood in that long ago fight to bow to anyone.

Shake hands, okay.

[Az]

55. I greet others how they greet me

If they offer a bow I return a bow. If they offer their hand I offer mine.

[AzDar]

61. That sounds quite civilized and fair, Az.

[Selatius]

60. I'll take off my hat to show respect, but I will not bow, for I am not her subject.

Frankly, at this point, I don't consider myself subject to much at all as far as Bush on the throne goes back here in America. If she were here on US soil, no. It would be a different story if I were in her house though, and I don't expect to be.

[Madspirit]

63. on the street

If I ran into the Queen on the street I wouldn't bow.
If I went to an Official Function TO meet the Queen I would play the fantasy.
It's just a fairy tale anyway.
Madspirit

[grasswire]

78. you are wrong

It isn't just a fairy tale. It's the whole of democracy, implicit in one gesture. Are men and women equal? Or not? If you believe so, you will not indicate your servility by bodily gesture.

[JohnLocke]

67. Jews do not bow down to any but God

[Madspirit]

68. Jews in England

I bet there are Jews in England who bow before the queen. I don't think one person can speak for all of any one kind of person.
Madspirit

[Solly Mack]

69. I'd incline my head ever so slightly

a slight nod of acknowledgment and I'd take/shake her hand if presented but I would not extend my hand otherwise

[Subdivisions]

74. The proper response, in my opinion with elemets like the

recognition that the person deserves a measure of respect, as Queen Elizabeth would, from Post #70.

[havocmom]

70. Slight dip of the head - just like I do to most old ladies & gentlemen.

Deference to age, basic respect due ALL people, consideration for physical limitations, look them in the eye, slight smile... beyond that, it depends on an individual's behavior. Sometimes respect gets added, sometime it gets removed.

[Luna_C_06]

137. I'd just do what you suggested.

But I don't think I'd ever do a full blown bow.

[JCMach1]

72. The royalty I know call me Sir...

and usually knock on the door of my office before entering...

But I digress... :)

However, if their fathers were to visit, I would probably have to kiss him... What can you do? :shrug:

[grasswire]

75. NEVER NEVER NEVER

Not in a million years. Not if the executioner had his ax at my neck.

NEVER!

[Evoman]

83. Thats dumb...I would do it if I was going to be executed if I did not.

And then I would spend the rest of my days planning my bloody revenge/revolution.

[AngryAmish]

79. Never

I'm a US citizen. The reason she is queen is because her ancestors killed a lot of folks and one even founded his own religion where he got to lead the religion. She thinks she deserves to rule over people the globe over because God - as in the invisible guy in heaven - wants her to rule. This magical God thingy also means her children and her children's children forever get to rule over the British Empire.
Remember, she still runs her families' religion.

[Mark E. Smith]

80. God no.

Why the British don't dump the royal losers is beyond me.

[Evoman]

82. If she bowed to me first, then I suppose I might.

I will sometimes show deference to someone older or more experienced than I, out of respect and for pragmatic reasons (their knowledge outstrips mine in some field). But if someone proves to me that they do not deserve my respect, than I will not. A good example of this is my professors at the University...they are some of the smartest people I know, so I respect them and learn what I can.

But the Queen...I do not accept her as my equal, nor do I respect her position, carved from the blood of the poor. In my eyes, she is basically a useless human being with a superiority complex. The same goes for Bush. A complete waste of skin.

[nam78_two]

84. Of course not- at least not unless I was bowing to non-royals as well.nt

[951-Riverside]

86. I only bow to elderly asians n/t

[NotGivingUp]

87. not in a million years

[5thGenDemocrat]

89. Good question. I don't think I would.

I'd be polite, of course, and shake her hand if she offered hers -- but, no, I doubt I'd bow.
John
Fact is, I'm enough of a smart-ass I'd have to be careful not to click my heels. Got into trouble a couple of times in the Army for doing that (no, I'm not kidding).

[Retrograde]

90. in the UK, yes. In the U.S., no

that whole "when in Rome" thing...

BTW, why is it that when anyone says "the Queen" they're assumed to mean the Queen of England? There are others. The Tongan royal family are frequent visitors in my neck of the woods, and aside from the local Tongan community, they don't get much notice. I once saw the Queen of the Netherlands (if that's what the Dutch phrase that sounded like "Look - there's the Queen" based on extrapolating from the German meant) on an Amsterdam street watching fireworks with a crowd of Dutch: seemed like a more down to earth person.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

101. not to mention

that there is no such thing as the "Queen of England" although it is a frequent error.

[Zhade]

92. No.

NT!

[MidnightWind]

93. If I were a British citizen, yes.

But as an American? Hell no.

[CTyankee]

94. Well, here's a snip from Miss Manners

http://www.nysun.com/article/12547?page_no=2


There was an embarrassing episode of some protocol officer during Prince Charles' visit to the U.S. in the Ford administration. The woman was photographed from behind attempting a curtsy in a tight, shortish skirt on the tarmac as Prince Charles was getting off his plane. The effect was comical. Miss Manners was writing in the WaPo and said absolutely not. Americans should not curtsy to other countries royalty.

[candidate]

95. I'd at least bow my head slightly

Come on people, there's nothing wrong with showing some class/dignity, even if you don't like them.

[philosophie_en_rose]

98. Curtsying to royalty is like joining a foreign army.

Dear Miss Manners:

I am an American living in Spain, and I recently had the opportunity to meet the king and queen. Because I am an American, I did not curtsy, but a friend told me that I should have since I am in their country. Who is correct?

Gentle Reader,

If your friend is also an American, you may want to suggest that it is time for home leave. Friendly as we are with Spain, we do not pay obeisance to foreign rulers. One-world enthusiasm is a wonderful thing, but let us hope that she doesn’t get carried away and join some other country’s army.

Bowing to royalty is something quite different from making a charming effort to use the ordinary etiquette customs of the country you are in and of being respectful of their leaders, which Miss Manners trusts that you were. It would be an acknowledgement that you are the king and queen’s subject, which you are not. Your nationality does not change when you travel.

Even if your friend does not know international protocol, you may be sure that the king and queen do. They do not expect Americans to greet them other than as Americans greet American leaders — in a respectful but upright manner."

[sammythecat]

99. This whole thread is much ado about nothing.

Wherever, and whenever, you are, display good manners. Find out what the hell the mannerly thing to do is, and then DO THAT!

All this stupid indignation is ridiculous. Just use good manners and all will be ok. Simple as that.

[Toucano]

102. Of course I would.

It's protocol for pete's sake!

What a strange question.

[grasswire]

103. NOT FOR AMERICANS

Americans are not subjects of any crown. We do not follow the protocol of other nations and their subjects.

Americans do NOT bow to anyone. No one. The world knows why that is so. It has been so since America won its independence through the blood of its patriots.

No bowing. Never.

[muriel_volestrangler]

144. It's not protocol for anyone

See post #52 for what her own website says - a (head) bow is 'traditional', but a handshake is perfectly acceptable - for anyone.

[BlooInBloo]

104. Are you all SOOOO insecure in your freedom that it hurts you DEEPLY....

.... to bow to a traditional figure?

Sheesh. Insecure wusses.

[grasswire]

108. you totally miss the point

The world expects Americans to owe no allegiance to any "superior" man or woman and to refuse to kowtow to royalty. It is a longstanding matter of deep national pride as a DEMOCRACY. Geez.

[BlooInBloo]

109. No. You do. Bowing to someone doesn't constitute allegiance. Sheesh. Inseecure wusses.

[grasswire]

110. d'oh

To the eyes of most of the world, bowing DOES constitute allegiance. That is precisely why America sends the signal to the world "we do not defer to royalty." That is precisely why we do not bow. D'oh. Look it up, sonny.

[Pithlet]

111. It's not a sign of disrespect. It's actually a matter of protocol.

So, Americans who do not bow to royalty, particularly during formal occasions, are in fact behaving as they're supposed to. An American who does bow or curtsy is not following proper protocol. It has nothing to do with insecurity or defiance.

[sammythecat]

115. I'm sorry, but you are being silly.

I can't really expand on that. You are just being silly. It's a silly argument. It is just no big deal. It's silly to apply any importance to something so irrelevant. Nobody takes this seriously because it isn't serious. It's silly.

If you're ever in such a situation, just try to be pleasant company. OK? Don't do anything silly.

[RB TexLa]

106. No way in hell to british royalty

[riderinthestorm]

107. Protocol dictates that Americans don't bow to royalty.

Beyond protocol, I would never bow anyway - our ancestors fought bloody wars to ensure Americans don't bow to anyone as America is a democratic republic.

I respect their sacrifice and uphold it! No bowing (or curtsying as the case may be for a female) for me.

[Beausoir]

112. If I were ever introduced to the Queen, I am certain that I would bow.

She's an 80 year old woman.

The same age as my mother. She deserves a little respect and I would show it. Gladly.

[mitchtv]

113. Not in this lifetime

I am an American and an Irish one at that

[Kurovski]

114. Does bending over for a queen count?

I've met boatloads of royalty in my time, and the curtsy is a rather deep one. Protocol urges knees meeting the floor.

No matter the nation or principality from which the queen may originate, the official greeting is established as French. Should the affair involve a dinner, Greek is not out of the question.

[Lilith Velkor]

132. !

:spray: :rofl:

[bigwillq]

116. No

I don't see the point in doing that.

She's not my queen.

[cmkramer]

117. No longer a "requirement"

Actually, you no longer have to bow or curtsey. I believe now it's more of "Well, it would be nice if you did, but you don't have to" thing. It's part of the modernisation of The Royal Family.

[cynthia]

118. No way

[Dorian Gray]

119. Yes.

[cool user name]

120. Her shit stinks just as bad as mine ...

So, no, I wouldn't bow. That idea is antiquated.

[Kurovski]

121. It might stink worse. Steak and Kidney Pie anyone?

[cool user name]

124. Heheeh ... I had Taco Bell today ...

:D

[Kurovski]

125. That's a tight race, but you just might push ahead.

:D

[sammythecat]

122. NEVER! I say NEVER! As a proud and strong

American I would never spit (hell, PUKE), on the graves of our Forefathers by bowing my head toward the Queen upon introduction. I would sooner spit directly onto her foul face. And all the other sissified suck-ups in the room can just kiss my ass!

However, as a proud and strong American, if you can talk money I may be persuaded to reconsider my silly, totally inconsequential, principle.

[ellisonz]

126. No.

[SemperEadem]

127. yes.

because that would be my choice. You may do as you list.

[unkachuck]

128. you mean....

....bend over and bow to the head of the group of the richest welfare recipients the world has known?....leaches of the first magnitude?....nah

....unless, like others have suggested, she's going stick that large, gorgeous, pink tongue of hers up my ass....

[Kurovski]

131. At last!

A lick of respect displayed for the Queen a' England!

[tabasco]

129. I reject the idea completely.

Monarchy is an evil.

on edit: I view the British monarchy as something of a joke. The family members are nothing more than full-time actors in a reality show, funded by British taxes. They maintain their royals just to laugh at them. If the "royal" family had any self-respect at all, they would thrown down the trappings of royalty and get real lives.

[Catherine Vincent]

130. No. n/t

[JVS]

133. No. I'd also say she isn't worthy to lick the boots of the Swedish Royals

[donheld]

134. Queen Elizabeth - NO; Queen Elton - YES

:bounce::bounce::bounce:

[Clarkie1]

138. No way, I'm an American! nt

[Nicole]

139. No

She's not my queen.

[oblivious]

140. If she begged me sweetly I would.

[wtmusic]

162. There ya go.

She buys me lunch, and I'll bow. It's that simple.

:rofl:

[Lisa]

141. As a Canadian, I'm more likely to meet the Governor-General

... the Queen's official rep in this country. People haven't had to bow or curtsey to the G-G since before I was born ... apparently some of the older folks still do, but it's kind of embarrassing if the much-younger Governor-General has to help you up afterwards! Though if George W. Bush and his cronies were watching, I probably WOULD do a little bow to my acting head of state and then walk right past GWB, just to demonstrate that I have a choice in the matter. The current G-G hosted Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's showing of "The Power of Nightmares", so she'd probably get it.

One of my co-workers met her -- she was walking around an historic site, in muddy galoshes -- and things were so informal that a couple of people nodded politely to her, and that was that. The official website of the Lieutenant-Governor (the provincial equivalent, lower down in the pecking order) says that people aren't even supposed to nod when being introduced .... which is driving the ultra-monarchists bananas!

My boss, a radical leftist who left Britain as a teenaged rabble-rouser, was invited to meet the Prince of Wales at his farm a couple of years ago. He was all set to cause a big scene over refusing to bow, and he was almost disappointed when Charles wandered in and started talking about inner-city poverty and soil conservation in agriculture ... and the formal stuff never even came up.

Re: the Queen, I've heard rumours that she's kind of embarrassed when people overdo the bowing and curtseying (as Margaret Thatcher supposedly did ... the elected British PM isn't supposed to grovel like that). She doesn't seem to be the type to fret over people calling her "Ma'am" instead of "Your Majesty", or nodding instead of curtseying. She opened the Commonwealth Games where I was volunteering, and we weren't given any special instructions about what to do if she suddenly popped up in front of us. I did see her in the parking lot, but she was about 50 feet away from me, and I don't think even the stuffiest British monarch expected any curtseying at that distance! (I do know that one isn't supposed to nudge her, pat her on the back, or bear-hug her ... but I wouldn't think of grabbing an 80-year-old stranger like that in any case, in case she fell over in surprise!)

No more curtseying at Wimbledon either ...
http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2003/04/30/wimbledoncurtsey/
"The Duke (of Kent) feels the tradition of bowing and curtseying is pretty much on the way out," said All England Club chairman Tim Phillips. "He thinks it is time to stop it, and we respect his views.""

[kentuck]

145. The difference between Democrats and Republicans...

Republicans tend to support monarchies.

[mdmc]

146. I would

but I will never be in that situation, me thinks

[Justpat]

147. No.

The idea of the Revolutionary War to escape the mind set that
placed one bunch of human being above the other.

Our very own King George seems to have forgotten this. But of course
he never studied so how would he know?

I have always like the teaching of George Fox, the founder of The
Religious Society of Friends, also know as Quakers, who believed
that the teachings of Jesus made us equals. He took seriously the
statement of Jesus: "For now I call you friends". If we are all
friends spiritually, it is hard to bow and scrape to one of our
fellow human beings for any reason.

[KitSileya]

148. I would.

I would curtsy, as she's the head of state in a country where custom dictates you curtsy to the head of state. If the British were to decide to turn republic, I would no longer curtsy for Elizabeth Windsor.

I would curtsy even deeper for King Harald, of course, but that's because he's my sovereign, and Norway already had a referendum on whether to be a monarchy or a republic, and the monarchy won overwhelmingly. He, his father, and his grandfather have all proved they are willing to dedicate their lives to our nation, stood by it in crises and in triumphs, and I respect them immensely for that. They take on the onerous tasks that come with being head of state, letting the prime minister concentrate on running the country.

[rosesaylavee]

149. Etiquette for greeting the Queen

http://www.ehow.com/how_11184_greet-queen-england.html

Yes, she is royalty, but unless you're a citizen of Great Britain, don't curtsy or bow to the queen.

Instructions
STEP 1: Address all correspondence to "The Private Secretary of Her Majesty the Queen," not the queen herself. Request that the correspondence be communicated to her royal person.

STEP 2: Contact the queen at the following address: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, England.

STEP 3: Greet the queen as "your majesty" initially. Use ma'am thereafter.

STEP 4: Accept the queen's offer of a handshake, and, of course, a bit of conversation if she's willing.

STEP 5: Don't show the queen your back, if you're following tradition, and leave the room only after the queen does. But keep in mind that times have changed and formalities have eased.

Tips & Warnings
If you have gloves on, remove them.
The queen mother is addressed as "your majesty," as well.

As with all heads of state, be aware of high security surrounding the queen's appearances.

[Thothmes]

151. Bowing

I probably would. Matter of customary courtesy. I can remember doing a lot of bowing in Japan. When I was in the Navy, saluted a lot of foreign Naval Officers, including some from the Soviet Navy.
Didn't consider it out of the ordinary nor any way degrading.

[spoony]

153. Yes, I would.

Why wouldn't you? Are decorum and propriety so dead in this country?

[MonkeyFunk]

154. I would definitely bow

to Latifah. She's worthy.

[sam sarrha]

156. it is all fantasy.. the put some scientists in cages in the Zoo next to the primates and monkeys, to

give them the perspective of the animals.. it only took about 3 or 4 days before the first all out shit slinging war started between the scientists and the monkies..

the article didn't mention who won..

we are just all animals.. we are locked into perscribed Monkey/ape Troop social behavior. they screen the lesser apes like us out.. you'd never get the chance.

[wtmusic]

159. It's the ones who get their panties in a bunch about bowing

that I'm afraid of. I would hope my sense of self-worth isn't fragile enough to hinge on observance of a thousand-year-old custom.

[VelmaD]

160. no...we fought a war...

so we wouldn't have to bow to British royalty. (Or any royalty for that matter.)

[lonestarnot]

161. I don't think I'd even tip my hat it I was wearing one.

[theHandpuppet]

163. HELL NO!!!!!!!!

The British crown exiled my ancestors from Scotland and then tortured those (along with their families) who fought in the American Revolution.

SCREW THE CROWN!!!!!!! I'll bow to her only after she gets on her royal hands and knees and kisses my ghillies.

[Tyo]

164. Well for one thing unless you were a subject it wouldn't be an issue.

As an American you would greet her respectfully as you would any other head of state although maybe not shake her hand unless she offered it, but it would be inappropriate to do any more or less than that. People are not expected to bow or curtsy to a foreign monarch. Same principle as non-Catholics not being expected to kiss the Papal ring. Interesting question.

[Ganja Ninja]

165. In England I would anywhere else I wouldn't. n/t

[Lilith Velkor]

166. Only if she were my sparring partner. n/t

[LanternWaste]

167. Absolutely. It implies respect and takes nothing away from me.

Of course... it implies respect and takes absolutely nothing away from me. But then, I'm a very civil, well-mannered and polite person.

I also (gasp!) shake hands with people I don't like too much and tell strangers to have a nice day.