Dalai Lama Apologizes for Tongue Interaction with Child
Supporters of the Dalai Lama defended him after he asked a young boy to "suck my tongue," arguing that Westerners misunderstand Tibetan culture, where sticking out one's tongue is a sign of respect. The 87-year-old exiled religious leader of Tibet issued an apology for the interaction, which occurred during a public event. The Dalai Lama remains a major player in the fight for freedom in Tibet, which is under oppressive Chinese rule.