Washington:
Vivek Ramaswamy, the 39-year-old entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has discovered himself on the middle of a heated debate after a clip of him giving a barefoot interview at house resurfaced on-line. The video, which was recorded throughout a dwell stream final 12 months, has sparked a wave of robust reactions on social media, with some critics labeling his actions as “uncivilised” and “anti-American”.
Commentator Ian Miles Cheong was fast to defend Ramaswamy, dismissing the backlash as “the dumbest argument” he is heard. Cheong identified that going barefoot in a single’s own residence is hardly anti-American, and that maybe critics have been influenced by sitcoms the place characters put on footwear in mattress, “I assume too many individuals grew up on sitcoms the place they put on their footwear in mattress.”
The dumbest argument I’ve heard in opposition to Vivek is that going barefoot in your personal home is anti-American. I assume too many individuals grew up on sitcoms the place they put on their footwear in mattress. pic.twitter.com/JVfJMa6VKe
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 28, 2025
Regardless of Cheong’s protection, many critics continued to specific their outrage on social media. One consumer wrote, “Vivek won’t ever be governor of Ohio. That is unacceptable for America.” One other added, “Perhaps a minimum of have some socks on whilst you interview for a place in probably the most highly effective empire on the planet, yeah?” A 3rd consumer took subject with Ramaswamy’s option to go shoeless, writing, “Vivek lectures us about training whereas barefoot. Uncivilised.”
Nevertheless, not everybody was vital of Ramaswamy’s actions. Many customers got here to his protection, mentioning that eradicating footwear indoors is a typical apply in lots of cultures, together with in South and East Asia. “Almost all Indians go barefoot in their very own properties. There’s nothing mistaken with it. Only a cultural factor”, a consumer commented, whereas one other added one other remark about Indian custom, “In Indian custom, it’s customary to take off your footwear earlier than getting into somebody’s house, thought-about an indication of respect and hygiene, because it prevents bringing grime and germs from exterior into the home; this apply is broadly adopted.”
Political commentator Kim Iversen added to the controversy saying, “I perceive it is a ‘tradition’ factor, however you non-Asians sporting footwear in your properties want a tradition shift.” Iversen added that in her own residence, footwear are usually not allowed, and that socks are additionally prohibited because of the danger of slipping on hardwood flooring.
Ramaswamy himself addressed the backlash, saying, “That is America, people. I let the canines out in my home once I really feel prefer it.” His response has been recommended by some, who see it as an indication of confidence and independence.
Whereas some conservatives have criticised Ramaswamy’s background, others have recommended his response to the backlash. One consumer wrote, “Vivek confirmed excessive class when Coulter said flat out due to his race she wouldn’t vote for him. He saved the dialog going and by no means fell into an offended or sufferer mentality. Nicely executed by him.”
