I certainly wouldn't, but it amazes me when I see Americans do it during a royal visit...
2007-08-22 00:27:19 · 13 answers · asked by Bill 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Royalty
Some of you asked why not: Because Americans fought, bled and died to make sure you don't have to bow to anyone.
To do so is an acknowledgement of inferiority. I'm not inferior, sorry :)
2007-08-22 01:17:10 · update #1
P.S. I know Nancy Reagan didn't do it...there was a firestorm in the press about it. I was one of the folks saying "yay, her!"
2007-08-22 01:17:49 · update #2
NO. NEIN. NYET. NADA. IIE. ZIP. NON.
NO WAY
In Southern Ebonics He@@ to the No!
Yoli
2007-08-22 04:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by Yoli 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, I wouldn't but only because we aren't required to. To curtsey or bow means to show respect to the Monarchy not to the person. In America I wouldn't, but if I were in the UK, yes, I would.
2007-08-22 13:02:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course ... especially when it's going to be a face-to-face encounter. It is simply a sign of respect for the person and the position. You don't need bow as low as their waist or anything ... a simple 'nod' of your head is all you have to do. As far as a curtsy is concerned ... it isn't required to do a "Gone With The Wind" Southern Belle curtsy, just a short two or three inch drop, but females would be just as correct to nod as well. All of our Presidents and First Ladies have nodded or curtsied when meeting or receiving Royalty at formal occasions.
I think we're above seeing a bow or curtsy to Royalty, especially British Royalty, as a sign of weakness or surrender ... it's simply a sign of respect.
2007-08-22 08:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by Robert D 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Americans are not supposed to curtsy or bow. I don't think the royals would even expect us to.
Some Americans do, because they're not up on their protocol, and don't want to make a faux paux.
2007-08-22 12:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by kiwi 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Of course I would drop a little curtsy (which is only the word "courtesy" abbreviated), just as I would grit my teeth & call W "Mr President", not the several four letter epithets with which I bless him on a regular basis.
2007-08-22 08:06:19 · answer #5 · answered by Taffy Saltwater 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
None of us will get to meet a member of the royal family, so I don't think it really matters, does it?
2007-08-22 07:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by chris m 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would probably smile and offer to shake hands. lol It is not an American custom to bow or curtsey.
2007-08-22 07:37:22 · answer #7 · answered by old_woman_84 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
lol no i wouldn't bow or curtsey. i would extend my hand for a handshake, same as i do when i meet any new person.
2007-08-22 10:43:50 · answer #8 · answered by ♨UFO♨ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I think that if they put their pants on the same way that I do, as long as I treat them respectfully, and they reciprocate, that is enough.
2007-08-22 07:45:10 · answer #9 · answered by Beau R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. I would try to shake their hand or something like that.
2007-08-22 07:35:07 · answer #10 · answered by Q guy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋