America

It's interesting how backwards America can still be. I was at the mall with several friends from physics and we were eating in the food court. We had a pretty multicultural group there, one white, one Muslim, myself and the last from India. The fellow from India has a habit of wearing flipflops everywhere, and at the moment was sitting cross-legged, barefoot in the air. We had decent food, and now it was time for desserts. I went to get a sorbet sipper, and when I returned I saw all three of them with appalled looks. Apparently, while I was away, some white lady, who was done eating, went up to my Indian friend and told him that he should "put his leg down because it might disturb some people while eating," then left. That certainly is quite appalling!
I don't know whether this should be considered a racist comment, or perhaps the sight of a barefoot really does lead to the loss of appetite. But it's the mall for goodness sake. I could understand if this were some posh, upscale restaurant in NY, to which I've been to many, where you must be properly attired. But a mall! I think many Americans, typically those not living near the coasts, are much less traveled, ignorant of other cultures, and more unwilling to move out of their comfort zones. This can be cause for lots of friction and discomfort when they encounter those who are different. I think this shows that education has failed these people. They did not learn to become more globally aware. They don't realize that we all inhabit this earth, and its together we can survive and make a better tomorrow.