Quote:
Originally Posted by TalnSG
No, in most countries I have visited (all western hemisphere), you are not expected to remove your shoes unless, of course, you would be tracking in mud, slush or snow.
However, sometimes the reason is necessity, rather than merely custom. In Japanese homes (and one room of my own house) when there are tatami mats on the floor, shoes would quickly ruin them. You must not ever walk on them with any hard sole because it breaks the fiber.
Personally removing ones shoes is a custom I have appreciated ever since I noticed stilletto heels marring my hardwood floors.
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Have you visited Sweden or any nordic countries? Just curious.
Yes, I guess maybe I wasn't clear. I'm not saying it's and old tradition or custom, but more common sense. You don't take off your shoes because wearing shoes inside offends the host, but because it dirties down the floor and destroys mats, etc.
Also I feel wearing shoes made for outside use inside is as natural as wearing your big jacket inside.
Quote:
Originally Posted by blimp
the question is not whether or not they want to do it.
the question is whether or not they have, in reality, the same chance.
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This is what I agree with. As long as the opportunity is there for a woman to e.g. rise in the corporate ranks if she wishes, then I don't care if 99.9% of Japans women stays at home with her kids (although that fact might tell us other things..)