Washington:
Vivek Ramaswamy, the 39-year-old entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, is located in the center of a heated debate after a clip of him had an interview barefoot at home that was surfaced online at home. The video, which was recorded during a live stream last year, has fueled a wave of strong reactions on social media, in which some critics labeled his actions as “uncivilized” and “anti-American”.
Commentator Ian Miles Cheong was quick to defend Ramaswamy and reject the play as “the stupidest argument” he has heard. Cheong pointed out that on your own house barefoot is barely anti-American, and that critics may have been influenced by sitcoms where characters wear shoes in bed: “I think too many people grew up on sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed.”
The stupidest argument that I have heard against Vivek is that on your own home is anti-American. I think too many people grew up with sitcoms where they wear their shoes in bed. pic.twitter.com/jvfjma6vke
– Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 28, 2025
Despite Cheong's defense, many critics continued to express their indignation about social media. A user wrote: “Vivek will never be Governor of Ohio. This is unacceptable for America.” Another added: “Maybe you have at least a few socks on while you interview for a position in the most powerful empire on the planet, yes?” A third user had the problem with the choice of Ramaswamy to go shoeless and write: “Vivek gives us a lectures about education while she is barefoot.”
However, not everyone was critical about RamasWamy's actions. Many users came to defense and point out that removing shoes indoors is a common practice in many cultures, including in South and East Asia. “Almost all Indians go barefoot in their own house. There is nothing wrong with it. Just a cultural thing, “a user noticed, while someone else has added a remark about the Indian tradition,” in the Indian tradition it is common to take your shoes off before you enter someone's house, a sign of respect and hygiene, because it prevents dirt and germs from bringing the house to the house; “this practice;”
Political commentator Kim Iversen added to the debate and said, “I understand that this is a 'culture' thing, but your non-Asians who wear shoes in your houses need a culture shift.” Iversen added that shoes are not allowed in her own house and that socks are also prohibited because of the risk of sliding on hardwood floors.
Ramaswamy himself spoke to the recoil and said, “This is America, people. I leave the dogs in my house if I feel like it.” His reaction is praised by some who see it as a sign of trust and independence.
Although some conservatives have criticized RamasWamy's background, others have praised his response to the return. A user wrote: “Vivek showed extreme class when Coulter declared without a statement because of his race, she would not vote for him. He kept the conversation going and never got into an offended or victim.” Him well done. “
