No Shirt, No Shoes…

June 16, 2006

6 Comments 

Here in South Africa, it is not uncommon for children to run around barefoot. I don’t mean just around their house or yard, but as they accompany their parents through the stores in town. Even more shocking is that adults often do the same. It is a frequent site in our grocery store to see men walking barefoot. (Usually they are wearing short shorts as well.) It makes me cringe.

I’ve had many discussions with Niel regarding this phenomenon. He grew up in this culture, so to him it is as normal for the guy to be barefoot as it is for me to expect him to wear shoes. Niel has started to see the light, but still wonders why I (and the rest of our American staff) have such a big issue with this. Aaaah, the joys of a cross-cultural marriage!

I’ve come to appreciate the American policy of “No Shirt, No Shoes…No Service”. Here it is definitely “No Shirt, No Shoes…No Problem!”

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Posted by alece on June 16, 2006 · 6 Comments 

Comments

1. Amy says:

   June 16, 2006 at 7:31 PM

   I remember when it made the national news in the US that Britney Spears was photographed coming out of a public restroom with no shoes on!!

   Reply
2. Natalie says:

   June 16, 2006 at 8:49 PM

   omigosh. that is a PERFECT example of our cultural obsession with shoe wearing.

   Reply
3. Alece says:

   June 16, 2006 at 8:49 PM

   That is too funny! I hadn’t heard about that… You’re right: PERFECT example. Niel would laugh. Or roll his eyes.

   Reply
4. Abigail says:

   June 16, 2006 at 9:25 PM

   I love you, MG – thanks for sharing your days with me!

   Reply
5. Alece says:

   June 16, 2006 at 9:27 PM

   Abigail Lives!!!! :-)

   Reply
6. danielle says:

   June 17, 2006 at 6:46 AM

   how funny!

   Reply

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