Sep 24th 2009 By Ian Fortey

Memphis Mayor Fist Bumps the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader to millions and is kind of a big deal. Meeting with him is akin to meeting the Pope, the Queen of England or possibly even Bono. It is somewhat surprising to learn, then, that when the mayor of Memphis met him, he offered him a fist bump.

(Fist bumping is the most awesome thing to happen to journalism since baggy pants. Each time a public figure participates in the ritual, it's reported as though it's been discovered for the first time ever and is threatening to break down the very walls of civilization.)

As you can see, the Dalai Lama is no stranger to the fist bump. However, that terrible "Hello, Dalai" joke should cost the mayor his next election.

Tags: dalai lama - DalaiLama - fist bump - FistBump

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Monday 28 September

By Randolph

Neutral

Idiots, idiots, idiots...and to even bring up MLK in the presence of a real holy man is such a joke

Monday 28 September

By SS

Neutral

Dear God, I am surrounded by Philistines. Deportment, decorum, and class- it's becoming more and more apparent that many Americans are sadly devoid of these basic social graces. To modernize Lincoln's words: if you're only going to look like a fool, then keep your mouth shut.

Monday 28 September

By Ji Kong

Neutral

OMG Its so freaking annoying to read about the Dalai Lama.

1. Dalai Lama is only the leader of the Tibet Buddhism. I don't know how so many Americans began to believe he's the "Pope" of Buddhism.

2. He's just a human being, he dies and the fact that he proposed to already search for his reincarnation as a compromise with the Chinese government debases his own beliefs. How can you find the next you when your not even dead?

3. The respect for the Dalai Lama has become more aligned with the white people. Yes Asians in general respect him for being a leader, but we don't go like WOW THE Dalai Lama's here! Once more, I've meet too many people who ask me, "Isn't the Dalai Lama supposed to be your religious leader?" Argh!

In general, I feel the Dalai Lama is over-rated. He's only the leader of tibetan Buddhism which is like only 3 million at most compared to 10x that size of the other Buddhist sect.

Monday 28 September

By debbie

Neutral

What a Ghetto way to greet a dignitary. I bet Memphis is shaking and covering its head in shame.

Monday 28 September

By Alan Ruskin

Neutral

Hey, watch the whole video with this article. It's really quite touching and the tributes to the Dalai Lama read by the Mayors are very eloquent and meaningful. A proud moment for everyone, except the douchebag journalist who didn't understand what was going on or who just wanter to make trouble.

Monday 28 September

By jla725

Neutral

For those of you that apparently have not watched much news lately, the "fist bump" is recommended for greetings instead of a handshake to combat the H1N1 virus.

Monday 28 September

By BigTone

Neutral

Did he sing "Hello Dolly" to him when he fist bumped him?

Tuesday 29 September

By Charles

Neutral

Monday 28 September

By McJackoff

Neutral

The vast majority of fist bump artists are from the lowly peasant
stock normally found in states such as Tennessee. We should not be at all surprised when the knuckle grazed mayor pulls this kind of stunt because he really knows no better.

Monday 28 September

By Jane

Neutral

This was done in the spirit of expressing local customs. It may not have been "proper" but is was done without malice. The mayor is after all human.

Monday 28 September

By Charles

Neutral

Ian Fortey-
If your employer was not so insensitive to a particular race of people , it is you and not the mayor who should be looking for a job. I agree With Haki Madhubuti -"Great minds are not immune to silliness".
How many 'educated people' and TV newsmen have mispronounced name like Arabs? Pronunciations , inappropriate (Silly) jokes and misspelled words do not generally speak to the quality of the person. The Dalai Lama said, "Everybody is the same human being. ... We are all the same..."
The Dalai Lama briefly offered part of his philosophy, pointing to his heart as he said, "If you keep here fear, anger, jealously, everything appears suspicious."

'When he finished, the Dalai Lama turned to Lowery and gave him a fist bump, then, laughing, playfully slapped Lowery on the back.'

Monday 28 September

By Charles Stewart

Neutral

I agree With Haki Madhubuti -"Great minds are not immune to silliness".
How many 'educated people' and TV newsmen have mispronounced name like Arabs? Pronunciations , inappropriate (Silly) jokes and misspelled words do not generally speak to the quality of the person. The Dalai Lama said, "Everybody is the same human being. ... We are all the same..."
The Dalai Lama briefly offered part of his philosophy, pointing to his heart as he said, "If you keep here fear, anger, jealously, everything appears suspicious."

'When he finished, the Dalai Lama turned to Lowery and gave him a fist bump, then, laughing, playfully slapped Lowery on the back.'

Monday 28 September

By Michael

Neutral

As a former Memphian, I see Memphis as a leading "Microcosism" of the USA. Ignorant and corrupt politicans of color, like the Obama administration (ACORN). Economic issues out of control in Memphis, similar to the Obama administration (ACORN and Stimulous Package?). Corruption, former felons in high positions in Memphis, very similar to the Obama Administration (Geitner,Pelosi,Dodd,Frank,Raines &on and on). It appears that Memphians who block vote in predominately African Americans are getting what they paid for, similar to the Obama administration(How's dat hopey, changey thing doin' for ya). Well, I would not move back to Memphis if you gave me the Pink Palace. Corrupt, violent, murdering African Americans running loose busting old white ladies in the head to steal a purse. (IGA Market) (WolfChase Mall) I could go on and on. I have friend there who have actually had this happen to them, and to say "Friends" I mean more than one! Let me tell you, if it happens to my lovely 86 year old Mother, I will come to Memphis and if it is the last thing I do, there will be the most heinous payback the nation has ever seen. I suggest you get these animals under control...Your reputation is obismal....Memphis, you are getting what you pay for.!!!! Very sad, it used to be such a clean nice city.....Remember City Beautiful! Memphis sucks now....