I like the anthropological explanation given by Isolated Freak to certain behavior of humans or group of humans which define a culture. However, I would also like to stress the fact that due to the submissive behavior, which could be explained as showing respect to authority or elders, found in Nepalese culture, we are exposing our venerability to manipulation and abuse. Moreover, we are also considering the elasticity of one?s mind to judge who is to be respected or to be bowed down on, and what criteria makes them so. Even though I do not comply with US mentality of ?Respect should be earned,? at the same time it is quite ridiculous to respect or submit to just about anyone without knowing the full credentials of such person or position. For me, we should respect a person as an individual unless that respect is taken advantage of, unlike in Nepal, where we keep respecting any elders even when they wipe their feet all over us.