Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy has discovered himself on the centre of a web-based debate after an outdated video of him giving an interview barefoot resurfaced on social media. The interview, which was live-streamed final 12 months, has reignited discussions about cultural norms and American etiquette, with some critics labelling his actions as “uncivilized” and “anti-American.”
Criticism over barefoot look
Ramaswamy, who not too long ago introduced his 2026 marketing campaign for Ohio governor following the 2024 US presidential elections, confronted backlash from some social media customers who discovered his barefoot look inappropriate. One critic wrote, “Vivek won’t ever be governor of Ohio. That is unacceptable for America.” One other commented, “Possibly not less than have some socks on when you interview for a place in probably the most highly effective empire on the planet, yeah?”
Nonetheless, not everybody agreed with the criticism. Commentator Ian Miles Cheong dismissed the backlash because the “dumbest argument” he had heard, defending Ramaswamy by stating that going barefoot in a single’s own residence is way from being “anti-American.” He quipped, “I suppose too many individuals grew up on sitcoms the place they put on their footwear in mattress.”
Ramaswamy responds
Ramaswamy addressed the controversy head-on, saying, “That is America, people. I let the canines out in my home once I really feel prefer it.” His response drew combined reactions. One supporter praised his composure, writing, “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 finished by him.”
Many customers defended Ramaswamy, stating that eradicating footwear indoors is a typical observe in lots of cultures, significantly in South and East Asia. One person defined, “Almost all Indians go barefoot in their very own houses. There’s nothing incorrect with it. Only a cultural factor.” One other added, “In Indian custom, it’s customary to take off your footwear earlier than coming into somebody’s residence. It’s an indication of respect and hygiene, because it prevents bringing filth and germs from outdoors into the home.”
