Kowtowing

Kowtowing is the act of excessively deferential or servile behavior. It involves kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground, traditionally performed as a sign of respect or submission in East Asian cultures. Figuratively, Kowtowing refers to an exaggerated display of subservience, often to gain favor or avoid conflict. It implies a willingness to compromise one's principles or dignity to appease someone in authority. The term suggests a loss of self-respect in order to curry favor or gain an advantage. This behavior can be perceived as insincere, manipulative, and lacking genuine respect. The degree of deference shown in Kowtowing is generally considered extreme. It often occurs in situations where there is a significant power imbalance.

Kowtowing meaning with examples

• The ambitious intern was accused of Kowtowing to the CEO, constantly agreeing with every opinion and volunteering for every task, hoping to secure a promotion. This excessive deference earned him both the scorn and the suspicion of his peers, who saw his behavior as inauthentic and self-serving. He appeared to have forgotten his own values.
• Faced with potential sanctions, the company chose to kowtow to the government's demands, altering their business practices to avoid penalties. Although controversial, this decision ensured the company’s continued operations, however, it was seen as a betrayal by some of their employees.
• The diplomat was criticized for Kowtowing to the opposing leader during negotiations, making significant concessions without securing any meaningful benefits for their own country. This perceived weakness undermined the diplomat's position and fueled public backlash at home.
• Some believe that news organizations are increasingly Kowtowing to advertisers, tailoring their reporting to appease sponsors and avoid upsetting sources of revenue. This raises concerns about journalistic integrity and objectivity.
• In the competitive art world, some artists might be tempted to kowtow to galleries or critics, creating work that aligns with their perceived preferences rather than pursuing their own creative vision, in order to gain exposure and recognition. Such decisions compromise artistic integrity.