From the not so subtle to the downright brutal --- The first example is on the subtle side of rudeness - what could be termed "a slap with a glove" or something like that. Pelosi had been ignored, maligned and insulted for quite some time by Trump before this incident. In this incident, which was timed perfectly for maximum (media) impact, The person being insulted didn´t even know it was happening - it was more for the rest of the people to see. The second example with the Chinese Foreign Minister I believe has to do with "face" and with the perceived loss of dignity of the country. First of all, the question was not even directed at him, so by answering something not asked of him, he was already being rude. He then proceeds to insult and belittle the knowledge and experience of the journalist. I believe this was more for consumption of the Chinese public, and for him to be seen to defend their dignity and sovereignty and ego, than an actual message for anyone else. The Berlusconi-Merkel scene is simply a show of arrogance, old-school machismo and small mindedness - it´s surprising the Chancellor waited as long as she did. The Rach-Macek scene is the breakdown of any attempt at civilized communication and going the way of wild savages.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx