Shoeless in Suburbia

Have you noted the trend toward the "take off your shoes" home? What is this about? Have we adopted some sort of upscale Japanese suburban ritual ? I mean, I could understand if the kids came in with muddy feet, but since people don't let their children play outside anymore, I don't think this is about mud. Nor is it about children. Because no one, no matter your age or personal wealth, seems to be exempt from this new fetish. Is it about germs? Are people worried that the pesticides they continue to pour onto their perfect lawns may make their way into the house via my smart but never pretentious shoes?

My friend Kim says it's not about dirt or germs. She says it's about power. By making you remove your shoes before entering their Beverly Hillbillies foyer you are being told (no matter who you are) that you are now playing by their rules and your filthy, thoughtless bohemian ways must be checked at the door.

I've also noticed that many of the children who live in these homes have allergies. Their are no cats languishing in the sun on the back of the sofa, no guinea pigs kicking up sawdust in their catalog worthy bedrooms. Maybe a little dander and dirt is actually what makes a house "homey"?

I just want to be there the day someone asks my Dad to remove his shoes before entering their home. He'd do the right thing: turn around and not come back.