Shoes in Arab Culture
For those literate in general Arab culture, the specific throwing of one’s shoes at another person is a clear sign of abhorrence for that individual, which transcends an even more violent act, e.g. serious physical assault (throwing shoes is also known to be a deep offense in Thai culture). One could equate this to spitting on someone in a number of other cultures. The shoe is considered dirty because it touches the ground and foot. Striking a person with it denotes that person’s even dirtier level. It is even improper to show the sole of one’s shoe when seated and crossing legs. In mosques, shoes are removed before entry. Thus, a pattern arises and the concept of the shoe is embedded into a set of cultural values with historical anecdotes that serve as powerful references to meaning. The recent incident in Iraq, where a journalist threw his two shoes at President Bush, is one example. More of these examples can be accessed here, an article published in the Telegraph.
Without this understanding and knowledge, it would be impossible to understand the true meaning of such culturally-based behavior. This is perhaps an extreme example but it is representative of how misunderstandings can so easily occur without cultural competence.
Very interesting! Most people wouldn’t think about this act from a cultural perspective, but you really shed light on how the throwing of the shoe was more than just the act itself and had cultural and historical implications! Nice job!