Diplomacy and Obama's Turban Photo
International Protocol Applies to All but Obama
Bush did the sword dance with bedouins in Saudi Arabia - other than some ribbing from late night talk hosts, no big deal. Obama wore a turban in Kenya - why the fuss?
Recently an AP photo surfaced showing Senator Barack Obama awkwardly wearing a turban and izar wrap. The photo was taken in his father's homeland in Kenya during a 2006 Senate trip to Africa. A closer inspection of the photo shows that Sen. Obama is wearing his western pants and shirt beneath the traditional Somali-style outfit that was gifted to him by the Wajiri elder standing next to him.
He was on a mission of good will and to have refused the gift and not try it on would be a grave insult to his host. There was no attempt to hide the visit nor the photo, which was a matter of record, thanks to the Associated Press.
There is a long history of presidents, first ladies and other diplomats engaging in similar behaviors. It is simply a matter of international protocol. There is actually an Office of the Chief of Protocol, as well as several web sites and books covering such matters in detail, both for the business person and the diplomat.
Public Reaction to Obama in Turban Sends Mixed Message
What made Obama's action stand out from the rest in the eyes of the public? So far, racism has not appeared to play a part in the Democratic campaigns. However, did this picture serve to uncover some hidden prejudices among those seemingly offended by it? After all, it was a picture of a side of Obama the public has not seen - as a black man, wearing African clothes on African soil, standing next to an African man in the homeland of his father.
Was that too much for some to swallow, considering that he is someone that even some black Americans have even called him "too white"? Is reality the problem?
Turban "Incident" Sparks Off Islamophobia Response
No sooner had the pictures been circulated throughout the internet and television, that “accusations” that Senator Obama was a Muslim in secret who was trying to get a foot in the White House in order to destroy America began to spread. Obama “defended” himself by stating that he has never been a Muslim and that he is a proud member of the Church of Christ.
The semantics are very disappointing when considering that America prides itself on religious tolerance. American kids are taught early on in school that any one of them could grow up to be president, regardless of their race, sex or religion – whether their religious beliefs come from Evangelism, Mormonism, Islam, etc.
There is no stipulation in the US Constitution that requires the president be from a particular religion. So, why is it necessary for one to be “accused” of being a Muslim and for Christianity to serve as a “defense”? Being Muslim is not a crime that one needs to be provide a defense for.
Double Standard for George W. Bush Regarding Diplomatic Protocol
George W. Bush has danced the sword dance with Bedouins in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and danced in front of an African flag for Malaria Day, he wore a Jewish head-covering (a yamulka) in Jerusalem... and the list goes on. The only responses that generated were laughter and possibly embarrassment. However, people did not stand up and accuse President Bush of being a secret agent for Saudi Arabia, or converting to Judaism or Islam or converting the White House into a stage for Dancing with the Stars.
For that matter, both Hillary and Bill Clinton have also worn the traditional dress of countries that they have visited (headscarf, robes and all) - without public outrage.
Is there a double standard for white, protestant politicians? Is America really ready for a black man or woman president? Public reaction in this campaign raises a question of whether or not it is truly about the deeper, real issues or simply so shallow that it goes no further than skin deep.
