Throwing shoes as a Moslem insult

[DavidDvorkin]

Or is it specifically Arabs who do it as an insult?

Does anyone know what the origin of this is? Is it the association with the dirt shoes walk on, or is there more to it?

[Tangerine LaBamba]

1. Here's a good explanation

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/monday/nation/ny-usshoe1512272376dec15,0,4826404.story

[DavidDvorkin]

6. Thanks

I'd forgotten about not showing the soles one's feet or shoes to someone else. I remember the upset when some U.S. diplomat -- or in this case, "diplomat" -- crossed one leg over another during a meeting in such a way that the sole pointed at the Arab leader he was meeting with. Wish I could remember who that was.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. A Middle Eastern insult

I believe it is even mentioned in the Old Testament as a way to insult a nation. This notion of showing the soles of the feet as being insulting extends from the Middle East as far away as India.

[rug]

3. The rest of the world throws shoes as a greeting.

[Jamastiene]

4. Is there a scenario where it would NOT be an insult anywhere? n/t

[Captain Hilts]

5. Your feet are the least holy part of your body. It's an insult. nt

[Tangerine LaBamba]

7. I've thrown panties

I didn't mean it as an insult.

[DavidDvorkin]

8. As long as they were clean

Otherwise, it would be an insult. :)

[Tangerine LaBamba]

9. I was wearing them

Was that wrong?

[DavidDvorkin]

10. Ah. Okay.

No more questions.