What do “they” think of “us”?
I always find it interesting to ponder about what non-barefooters think of us barefooter when they interact with us in public. A prevalent subject during these interactions is the warnings about the (apparently imminent) dangers I will encounter while not having any foot protection in the outdoors. After giving it a thought, I’ve come to the realization that the great majority of shoe-wearing people, in their over-dependence on footwear, think we don’t weigh the consequences before we make our decision to step anywhere in bare feet.
The other day, for instance, I decided to tag along to the dog park with my boss and his dog over lunch hour. Being a park, I naturally went barefoot. I got warned by 3 different people – including my boss, who sees me barefoot every day – about how I was taking a big risk by not having any footwear at the dog park due to all the dog waste I could find there. Needless to say, I already had taken that into consideration before deciding to be barefoot at the park and I was perfectly happy taking my chances, in exchange for my own personal comfort and the experience of having my bare feet on the natural surfaces. Sure enough, I spent about an hour there; both sitting and walking around, and I did not encounter anything harmful to my feet. All that dog waste was either invisible or non-existent.
What I find particularly interesting (and annoying) is not only the fact that people feel compelled to stick their nose in my affairs but also the motherly tone of voice everyone uses when warning me about stuff like that; as if trying to make me aware of these things for the very first time in my life and expecting me to get scared to the point of running back to the car and getting at least a pair of rubber flip-flops to put on. Of course, I try to be diplomatic in most cases and deflect the warnings with a simple “oh, I know… I’ll be OK, though, thanks!”
I wonder if this is something other barefooters have also observed or is it just me, being too self-conscious or on the defensive? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
6 Responses to “What do “they” think of “us”?”
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Living in Florida, I don’t encounter this problem at all. I think its a geography thing
I think it might be cultural, rather than geographical. My guess that, in the southern states, people are used to more relaxed attires than up north.
Barefoot Moe,
I agree with you. Yes, it might be cultural.
But this is not limited to USA and Canada. I live in Germany, and I also know this motherly tone of voice used by people who stick their nose into anything that is not their business.
But I also know the opposite very well. Normally I hear very kind and appreciative comments about me running barefoot.
But there is one episode I’d still like to share with you, as it shows some of the ignorance anyone is confronted with who is different.
Some days ago, when I was shopping barefoot, I also went to a beverage market. Immediately the clerk warned me saying it is dangerous to run barefoot in this market, as glass shards lie around everywhere. I just said “I’ll take care. Thanks” and continued.
But I thought: <>
Did this clerk want to tell me that she’s the boss, and I have to do what she wants? Or did she try to scare me, just because I was different (as I was barefoot)? If so, she failed.
Here’s a lesson to her:
You are still extremely small
and far from being human at all
when you are almost indignant
just ’cause someone else is different.
Oops!
Some of my comment was lost. So I repeat the respective part.
Some days ago, when I was shopping barefoot, I also went to a beverage market. Immediately the clerk warned me saying it is dangerous to run barefoot in this market, as glass shards lie around everywhere. I just said “I’ll take care. Thanks” and continued.
But I thought: “Don’t tell me such lies! Looking around I can see half the market. And there is NOT ONE SINGLE shard that I can see.
Did this clerk want to tell me that she’s the boss, and I have to do what she wants? Or did she try to scare me, just because I was different (as I was barefoot)? If so, she failed.
I don’t think you are being too defensive about it. I doubt many people appreciate any type of free advice from strangers.
The concerned observer does not actually “think”, but instead they simply react. They genuinely may feel that they are just being kind to a stranger by giving them a heads up, a natural reflex. They do not delve any deeper than that.
“We” just have to remember this when the situation arises. Resist the temptation to just react, as they have done. Thank them for their kind advice and move forward.
I enjoy being barefoot but the world fights that joy at every turn. Here in Ontario stores have signs that say, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” Why?? Does a lack of understanding and ignorance give them the right? When walking outdoors people will point out “Your barefoot.” Like I didn’t know. If I take the time to explaim that its healthier then wearing shoes they’ll reply that they know. Then why do they harrass me and stare at me as though I just escaped from some institution. It’s alright, I still remain barefoot as I love it.