During the Nelson Mandela memorial there was a moment of political shock. The moment came when President Obama and Cuban President Castro gave each other a handshake. This handshake has become very controversial. Many think that its a sign of american-cuban relations getting better, while others believe that it was the right thing to do. What is your opinion on this handshake? comment below.
Article here:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/10/obama-castro-handshake/3967087/
To me I think it was the right thing to do in that situation. I really don't think it has anything to do with the relationship between the two presidents, it was more of a respectable acknowledgement. An example that we could maybe relate to is just walking down the hall at school and smiling at someone we may not know or we may not like, it is just a simple, polite acknowledgement.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katie, it is hard to believe that any two leaders can all of a sudden see eye to eye when their past has been beyond contempt for so many years. Just because one offers their hand or gives a polite gesture doesn't necessarily mean that they are 'good company' in a sense. This does seem confusing because doesn't a hand shake mean hello/nice to see you? But, remember these two men are political leaders, it is the appropriate thing to do when they are representing our country. No country wants to have 'the leader' who had a temper tantrum at a memorial. Anyways, I believe the handshake was just another way of saying we'll talk later.
DeleteI agree with both Emily and Katie on the issue. The media in the United States today seems very keen on blowing up the very smallest detail to the point of controversy. To be completely honest, I believe in Obama had not shaken his hand or acknowledged him, they would of made a big deal out of that. A hand shake is simply a kind gesture that I think we expect at that level of diplomacy no matter the circumstance. The fact that this even garnered news attention, to me, simply goes to show the flaws of a story hungry media.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you guys, the media is making a big deal out of nothing. The handshake was a simple act of condolence. It wasn't about two countries being on better terms with each other, it was about two men coming together and acknowledging each other's existence while mourning a common friend. As Katie said, this handshake equates to no more than a smile towards an acquaintance in the halls at school.
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