Americans
just had an extraordinary example of public rudeness by the People's
Republic of China towards President Obama at the G20 conference in
Beijing, an incident whose ramifications are not yet completely
understood. But there is one thing that we, the public, can know
without hacking Hillary's email server: that the offense against the
American President was not an accident but a deliberate statement of
the Chinese ruling elite indicating their contempt for Obama, and symbolically, for America and the American people.
We
know it was not an accident because anyone familiar with diplomatic
protocol knows just how far in advance and in what detail such
nuances as “red carpet” exit ramps are prepared. “In exquisite
detail and with the utmost seriousness” is one way I have heard the
process described.
Nothing,
repeat nothing, is left to chance.
In
this matter we are instructed, as we are in so many things, by the
films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (the MCU).
The student of alien relations must notice that the various races and civilizations of the MCU are generally not very diplomatic. They seem to enthusiastically
shoot at one another, invade across dimensional portals, fly around in speeder cars shooting arrows, throwing rocks, and dropping cities on innocent tax payers.
Perhaps things would be more peaceful and loving if some diplomacy was observed.
We do have one example of such diplomacy in Thor: The Dark World (2013) on the occasion of the visit of two Asgardians on a secret mission of great importance, perhaps even more important than the occasion of Obama at the G20 conference.
Perhaps things would be more peaceful and loving if some diplomacy was observed.
We do have one example of such diplomacy in Thor: The Dark World (2013) on the occasion of the visit of two Asgardians on a secret mission of great importance, perhaps even more important than the occasion of Obama at the G20 conference.
How do we greet an Asgardian? A hearty handshake? Do we say “Howdy Partner!” and take off our hats? Here are the stages that I have noted in greeting two important Asgardians engaged as they are on a secret mission.
First,
your slave girl brings the honored guests into your presence, looking
very proper and pleased, if a little stiff, probably thrilled at the
occasion.
Second,
she gestures first with her right hand, then with her left hand, then
makes a half turn, and a half curtsey on one knee, and announce you
to the guests, saying “I present to you Taneleer Tivan, The
Collector”.
Third,
you, the host, pretends to be surprised at the arrival of such
honored beings, and recognizing them, exclaim with total sincerity
“Asgardians! Its an honor!” while performing the following
flourishes:
-
bring your hands together in front of you, elbows bent, palms facing
the guests
-
with your hands in this position do a half bow,
-
flip your hands such that palms are facing you
-
complete the bow to a full bow and holding the bow, extend your arms
outstretched to the sides in greeting
You
can be sure that our Asgardians know that they are truly welcome and
can proceed with their mission.
Failure
to comply with such courtesies is a deliberate insult, as all
Asgardians, and now all Americans, know.
______________________________________________
The
State Department's Protocol for the Modern Diplomat
Thor:
The Dark World (2013) on IMDB
No comments:
Post a Comment