The term or expression to "lose face" or "losing face" is thought to be of Chinese origin. It is generally accepted that this particular expression found its way into the English language sometime in the 19th Century by way of English (missionaries and traders) residents in China. Be that as it may, but it seems that the origins of this popular form of expression exists practically in every culture and language, in one form or another. Perhaps the Chinese version is most accepted, its definition more or less becoming standard throughout the world. Just what does "losing one's face" or "loss of face" mean? In general terms it means the loss of dignity, respect, status, image, honor. "Saving face" or to "save face" means exactly the opposite. It means to have regained dignity, respect, status, etc.
The Western culture is fond of saying that "face" is a very important element of Eastern cultures. It is thought of as being perhaps a bit over rated in the East, too much emphasis placed on the business of maintaining one's "face," i.e., not to "lose face." But if truth be known, it really isn't any different in the Western world. It is just that aspects or elements of what constitutes "losing" or "saving" one's face is a bit different, from country to country, culture to culture. But it is there in every culture and language! In Arabic it is called, "to save the face's water" (hafiza ma al-wajh), just another way of saying to "save face." In Slavic, which includes all those countries in Eastern Europe like Russia that use cyrillic, the word obraz means honor, image, status, face, etc., and bez means without. Therefore, bezobrazan means without those elements, in short, "loss of face." So you see, every culture appears to have its own version, not just China and the Eastern culture!
Without a doubt the most important arena for any culture/country to maintain "face" is the political stage. A country must have the respect of the others, maintain an image and status that everyone respects. In short, it must maintain "face." How does it do it? It maintains "face" by several means. Economic power is one, as well as military might. But most of all, it must gain the respect of others by simple acts like keeping promises, supporting its friends and allies, and yes, not backing down when threatened. It may seem like playground behavior, the simple act of not backing down when threatened or stepping up to help a friend. But these are probably two of the most important elements in maintaining "face" for a nation. This is one reason why some countries go bonkers over seemingly insignificant territorial disputes. Japan has not been a military power for over a half a century. Yet, when threatened by a vastly militarily superior country (China) over territorial rights for some tiny, insignificant artificial islands in the middle of the Pacific, Japan did not back down. Of course Japan received America's backing, but still, it was extremely important for Japan not to "lose face." The squabble over this incident has cause some difficulties in Japan's relations with China. But Japan had to do what it did if it was to have any influence, any status in Asia! So, it is also important to know when to step-up, when to push back. Sadly, it seems we have lost that ability.
In yesterday's blog I pointed out our "loss of face" in China when Obama was treated shabbily upon his arrival. I also mentioned how the ill-mannered, foul-mouthed President of Philippines referred to Obama as "son of a whore." It would have been best if Obama had not responded to either the situation at the airport or the Filipino's foul language. Instead he laughed it off, try to make a joke of it. He said that being treated shabbily at airports had "happened before," and that the Philippine's President was a "colorful guy!" In doing so, he had lost considerable "face" in the eyes of many Asians and non-Asians. His responses may have been humorous and showed him to be a "good sport," but they were not presidential or befitting of someone who is the leader of the world's supposed most powerful nation!
Subsequently, Obama had a meeting with Putin in Beijing, a meeting that was supposed to help establish peace in Syria. According to Obama's own words, the meeting was short and went nowhere! Putin, obviously, was not going to go along with anything that Obama wanted. The media picked up on this immediately and mentioned that Putin seemed to have gained a lot of confidence and "power" in the last year or so. Well, it isn't surprising. This is a perfect case where Putin has managed to "save face," i.e., gain prestige, status, and improve image by his actions, although they may have not been to our liking! On the other hand, Obama has managed to "lose face" with all of the "passive-reactive" policy around the world. To compound it, what happened at the airport and the comments by the Philippine's President didn't help his image, especially the way he responded.
As I said, he would have been better served keeping his mouth shut. In fact, it appears to me that one of the problems with Obama is that he doesn't keep his mouth shut when it would serve him best! Take for example what happened a few days ago in China when a reporter asked him about Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the national anthem. Obama should have not responded, instead, he said that we had many problems in America and it was Kaepernick's constitutional right to protest. This happened before his meeting with Putin. Are you surprised that Putin gave him the cold shoulder? Putin is not taking Obama seriously, neither are a lot of leaders around the world! However, there is no doubt that there will be more "conscientious" protesters refusing to stand for the national anthem after Obama's remarks about problems in America and Kaepernick's constitutional rights. What a guy!
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