Rethinking the Obama handshake snub

I posted a video that showed Obama extending his hand and in turn the line of men at the diplomatic function not shaking it. For all the world it looked like the Russians are snubbing him. That is what I, and most of the blogging world, thought.

Then I posted an entry describing my education regarding the depth of racial tension in Russia between whites and blacks. I thought maybe racial hatred could be the reason for the snub.

In looking at the video again from a different angle I think no such snub occurred. Sure, the Russians are suspicious of excessive adoration of new leaders proposing fascistic solutions. Sure they want to tightly control the crowds and disallowed the usual rock star raves at his entry and departure. But an outright snub? Look again, this time with the thought that he is introducing Medveded to his own entourage:



Therefore, this series of entries is called "evolution of a thought."

Russians reject Obama, snub shaking hands

Of course, this was not reported in America. The refusal to welcome Obama in the traditional manner was obviously deliberate, because they ALL refused Obama but they ALL shook Medvedev's hand, who was right behind Obama. Obama was visibly upset at the snub. A unified refusal to shake hands in diplomatic world is a huge signal. Just why the Russians were upset is to be determined...time will tell.