Obama Visits Oz

[mantra]

This might be of some relevance to the discussion.

http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isc ... l=&gs_sm=s&

We're copying the Americans again, although I've noticed on a few of those reality shows that the cheek kissing is becoming more common.

I still find it uncomfortable... I now look out the the telltale signs of a headbutt in progress and override my instincts.

I think a lot of Aussie's would be uncomfortable about it. We're pretty reserved here and not that demonstrative. It's also confusing to women who spent years learning to feel comfortable about shaking hands to suddenly see their female PM gushing over her peers and kissing them. Where's the formality gone?

[Super Nova]

I blame the French. They started this

[Shivaruna]

This might be of some relevance to the discussion.

http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isc ... l=&gs_sm=s&

We're copying the Americans again, although I've noticed on a few of those reality shows that the cheek kissing is becoming more common.

I still find it uncomfortable... I now look out the the telltale signs of a headbutt in progress and override my instincts.

I think a lot of Aussie's would be uncomfortable about it. We're pretty reserved here and not that demonstrative. It's also confusing to women who spent years learning to feel comfortable about shaking hands to suddenly see their female PM gushing over her peers and kissing them. Where's the formality gone?

I don't know we are copying Americans. Why would you say that, and surely reality shows are hardly the guiding light litmus test of what a female political head should do when they greet a male equivalent in 2011. I am Australian, and the only discomfort I am experiencing is what comes when I conclude you are out of touch with today's Australia and today's World.

There was an interesting comparison during Obama's visit. That was the manner in which the female Governor General greeted The President. Very formal, as would be expected. Surely that warrants a distinction with the female Prime Minister whose diplomatic relationship with the President is carved out of entitely different piece of wood.

[mantra]

I don't know we are copying Americans. Why would you say that, and surely reality shows are hardly the guiding light litmus test of what a female political head should do when they greet a male equivalent in 2011. I am Australian, and the only discomfort I am experiencing is what comes when I conclude you are out of touch with today's Australia and today's World.

There was an interesting comparison during Obama's visit. That was the manner in which the female Governor General greeted The President. Very formal, as would be expected. Surely that warrants a distinction with the female Prime Minister whose diplomatic relationship with the President is carved out of entitely different piece of wood.

If I'm out of touch with today's Australia because I find a formal approach more dignified - then so is the Governor General. Perhaps today's world in some people's eyes is all about being touchy touchy, feely feely - but we are talking about Presidents and Primeministers here who have a face to present globally. Perhaps this affection is fine at your average party or business luncheon - but not for our dignitaries.

[AiA in Atlanta]

Cheek kissing doesn't seem particularly American to me and it actually isn't all that common. What has become more common in the years I was away is hugging as a way to say "hello" and "goodbye."

[Super Nova]

Cheek kissing doesn't seem particularly American to me and it actually isn't all that common. What has become more common in the years I was away is hugging as a way to say "hello" and "goodbye."

I have noticed it too. I choose to reserve this for goodbyes and hellos that have long durations between them. However with men, I still leave it to the handshake only.

Cannot get into the man on man kiss and huge thing. Must be my country boy upbringing.

[AiA in Atlanta]

Cheek kissing doesn't seem particularly American to me and it actually isn't all that common. What has become more common in the years I was away is hugging as a way to say "hello" and "goodbye."

I have noticed it too. I choose to reserve this for goodbyes and hellos that have long durations between them. However with men, I still leave it to the handshake only.

Cannot get into the man on man kiss and huge thing. Must be my country boy upbringing.

I do the hug thing from time to time but find it overkill, especially with men. American high school kids seem to hug and every opportunity. Sometimes I really miss living in Japan and giving the distant polite bow.

[Neferti]

I think it is a POMMY thing ... exaggerated by the closeness to "The Continent" (France, Italy, Greece, Spain, etc) where they began holidaying, in droves, after WW2.

Russia and around that area kisses cheeks too, but THREE times, males included. LOL I've no idea why. Anyone know?

Kissing a perfect stranger on "introduction" seems odd to me but then ..........

I recall meeting a Geordie (Newcastle on Tyne area) at a Party, many years ago, and several years later I saw her in Myers and she raced up and kissed me on the cheek ............. I was astounded and gob smacked ... she was a complete stranger to me ..... then she explained when we had met .... it still didn't make sense.