Wear a suit!

So, we all judged President Trump and his team when they criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his informal attire when he attended a meeting in the White House hoping to score some American taxpayer funds to continue his fight against Russia, but did we even think about it? I think it was Vise President Mike Spence who, quite forwardly, questioned President Zelenskyy as to why he chose not to wear a suit. The question was pretty shocking for us Aussies and every news program in the country ran the top story criticizing the American for asking this question. We were told it was rude, uncalled for and anti-western. The Republicans were branded neanderthals and Australian media were united in their judgement.

What we didn't consider is the simple fact that, when meeting the President of the United States of America it's simply rude not to wear a suit. He wears a suit; all of his staff wear suits so it's an expectation that another President shows that same respect. To extend the thought further, President Zelenskyy seemed taken back by the question and Australia sympathized with him. Ahead of a meeting with the President of the United States it's not a massive leap to suggest that President Zelenskyy or his team, do a little research into American culture and consider what attire is appropriate for the engagement. Ther meeting was to secure Billions of dollars from everyday Americans, money otherwise spent on infrastructure, job creation, paying down debt or tax cuts so Americans have a few extra dollars in their pay checks each week.

When you want something from someone, putting your best foot forward is the way smart people approach a situation. Although there is a language barrier that needs to be considered, translators are available, so language is not a reasonable excuse. When you are pulled up for disrespecting America the best reaction is to apologise. Americans are forgiving. However, in the NEWS yesterday, President Zelenskyy was once again rocking his cultural attire during a meeting with the President of the United States. This is insulting to Americans and shows no respect for the trillions of dollars mum and dad Americans have sacrificed in support of his war. A war a million miles away that they have nothing much to do with. President Zelenskyy has been told this in the most direct way I have ever seen on TV but somehow misses the point. When you go to a meeting with Americans, especially the President of the United States, you wear a suit.

I don't disrespect President Zelenskyy. He is an actor that won office and has somehow managed to navigate the biggest war I have seen in my lifetime. Popular actors have made great leaders, but the smart ones like President Ragan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both reelected for second terms, managed to exist without polarising large groups of people. Is the difference that they surround themselves with better advisors or that respect is something that western culture regards as more important than those in the East. American's who don't respect the values of other cultures are quickly branded racists, but where is the balance when the shoe is on the other foot.

Now, I personally struggle with President Zelenskyy English and think he should have a translator speak for him. I can't imagine how draining it would be, trying to navigate serious issues when you are guessing what each sentence the leader says actually means. I have had a similar experience with an old boss in a former day job. They would probably pass a grade 6 English test, just. Senior school, forget it. It's impossible to know what she means, I feel stupid for asking her to repeat herself and end up giving up on trying to understand, so I simply nod my head in agreement hoping the interaction will be over quickly so that I can have some quiet time. Is this another problem with respect or am I too harsh a judge? I'm not sure. I do know I'm not racist, and I know this because my problem is with the standard of English and not with anyone's culture. I went to uni in Australia so I expect someone senior to me in the workplace to have an equivalent grasp of the English language. At least at a high school level. If not, a communication issue develops and in Australia you need to tip toe around communication issues to ensure you are being respectful of everyone's diverse cultural backgrounds. Then there is the issue of reporting to someone who has poor English. You know that, in management meetings, when management identify a growth opportunity and ask the managers who should be considered, your manager with poor English will likely sit there in silence, disguise their weakness and the opportunities will flow to other people in teams with managers who aren't embarrassed to speak up.

I know that I saw Melina Trump in Saudi Arabia covering up with a Berka. What is the difference? President Trump and his wife showed no hesitation showing respect to the Saudi culture. I have never seen Melina Trump rocking a Berka when shopping on Rodeo Drive, quite the contrary. She is an American and dresses like an American. What made her think to wear a Berka? She took the time to investigate the most appropriate way to present herself so that she represented her country in the best possible way. Wearing a berka could be considered a political statement and former first ladies have opted not to cover up when attending similar engagements, but Mrs Trump demonstrated the manners that Americans are renowned for around the world.

When I get an invite to a dinner party I buy a bottle of wine. When I eat my lunch at work, I was my dishes when I'm done, when I take a ballet class I wear tights, these are all things everyone does to respect their hosts, colleagues and teachers. When you meet with an American, especially the President of the United States, you wear a suit. He has earned that respect, so anything else is unacceptable.

Glenn Hall is a Christian writer and freelance consultant. Glenn has a fresh perspective on topical issues and a unique way of viewing the world.   With diverse interests, no topic is out of reach and Glenn will be sure to challenge your thinking.