Today is Tuesday, May 8, 2007 and this Brit question dates from 3 days ago. Here it is:
Do Americans have no manners? None of them are bowing or giving a curtsy to the Queen of England?
I invite Americans to look up this question and enter your comments.
My personal stand is that Americans fought and won two wars (the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812) against the British Empire to prove that we don't have to bow and curtsy to an out-dated royal figure.
2007-05-08 01:06:26 · 12 answers · asked by In Honor of Moja 4 in News & Events ➔ Other - News & Events
Hello, Super Ruper! Actually, we are very much alike (we are both writers) and you sound like a very interesting person. I would like to read some of your novels. Our politics are astonishingly similar, and I think we would like each other if we met. America and Great Britain (and its Commonwealth) are allies and we need each other. Hopefully, we can put petty differences (bowing & curtsying) behind us and get about the business of making the world a safer place.
2007-05-08 01:51:17 · update #1
Hello, American Beauty! What mysterious "reason" is it that I supposedly don't know? Really, I would like to know. I can understand why you have only a 5% Best Answer Rating.
2007-05-08 02:47:05 · update #2
Tabby, thank you for your wise comments.................
2007-05-08 03:00:32 · update #3
I saw an interview with the Queen's personal spokesperson, and he said that she does not want to be bowed to. He also said she does not want to be touched unless she puts her hand out to be touched first.
I think the courteous thing to do is to do as she requests.
2007-05-08 04:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by ringolarry 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Brit and I say this. America is not under the monarchy rule, therefore is not obligated to bow/curtsy to the queen. Shaking of hands is the preferred greeting.
As for the other Brits who think Americans are ill-mannered, they are obviously ignorant and should take note that the Americans have got the correct etiquette for VIP's.
I've discovered a lot of Americans with excellent manners.
:-)
2007-05-08 01:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by Tabby 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Americans arent expected to bow or curtsy so the guy is clearly wrong.
ALSO you wouldnt believe how much of us Brits dont care at all about the Queen or the Americans, or what the Queen and the Americans do.
2007-05-08 01:22:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No.American etiquette states that we bow and curtsy to no Royalty;we are a democracy,remember? We fought a war of independence to oust King George's rule from our shores. All we have to do is be courteous,be polite.We do not go up to her and touch her;she initiates the shaking of hands and any conversation.We address her first as "Your Majesty" and from then onwards as "Ma'am." And of course,as with any one,not just Royalty,we do not try to monopolize a conversation and bore her to distraction.She does have minders who will steer her away from any boorish bores.
2016-05-18 01:15:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose my question to you is, why is America then accepting a visit from the Queen, and why is she being treated as the royalty she is by the President of the United States? You will note that the question asked about 'manners', not legal requirement. It is only respectful and common courtesy to bow and curtsy to the Queen - and it is acknowledged throughout the world. Whether or not she is an out-dated royal figure isn't in question...the reality is that she was invited by the leader of your country...and the respect should be shown. And if she isn't welcome in your country, then you should let your hired employee (the President) know that.
2007-05-08 01:23:14 · answer #5 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
It is not necessary, nor is it expected of Americans to bow or curtsy to any Monarch. There are customs which are not part of our culture. For example, the Japanese bow when they meet etc. I worked in Japan, and never would bow on meeting a Japanese person, I would extend my hand and shake hands with that person.
2007-05-08 01:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by Alfie333 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
If you understood the reason for Queen Elizabeth's visit, you wouldn't be wasting your time with such an unnecessary question. Bowing is the last thing Americans need to worry about!
2007-05-08 02:11:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
i think it is nice to go along with customs of others... but not if you don't want to, that shouldn't be seen as a sign of disrespect.
I suppose just like different cultures probably do different things for weddings / unions of couples. I felt a bit weird at the traditional wedding and might feel more comfortable going along with a different sort of ceremony.
2007-05-08 01:19:08 · answer #8 · answered by gertie 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What respect does she deserve? The only difference between a US civilian and her is she's a stuck up broad wearing jewels. Anyone lowering themselves to be called president bush's visitor is in need of serious counseling.
2007-05-08 01:29:44 · answer #9 · answered by Williamstown 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
She's not queen over here. I bow to only one human on earth, and it ain't some old biddy from another country.
Too many Americans have died defending this country for me to spit on them and bow to some fake figurehead who has no real authority.
Her family is, pretty much, a joke in the US anymore, thanks to Chuck and Camwhoreilla.
2007-05-08 01:27:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋